The former chairman of the Bermuda Festival has been given an award to mark his contribution to the arts on the island.

Ian Davidson, a retired partner in professional services firm PwC, was presented with the first Edgar Humann Award of Merit, which will become an annual event for the festival.

Mr Davidson, who stepped down as festival chairman this year, said: “Much work has been done by many to ensure we continue to entertain, inspire and educate our audiences, in particular our youth.”

“In stepping down as chairman, I have every confidence in my successor, David Skinner, with whom I have worked closely on festival business for the past several years.”

Mr Davidson also thanked T.J. Armand, the new executive director of the event, “who brings a wealth of talent and experience from the real theatre world”.

The award was presented to Mr Davidson by John Rankin, the Governor, at a ceremony at Government House.

Mr Rankin said: “I am aware, both from my experience and also that of previous governors, of the tremendous support given to the festival by Ian over so many years.

“His dedication and enthusiasm for the festival has been unparalleled and I have seen for myself the role that the festival plays in bringing top-class performers to Bermuda, while at the same time developing artistic skills within the community.

“This has required both huge dedication and much hard work, for which we owe Ian much thanks.”

Mr Davidson joined the festival board of directors in 2008 as deputy chairman and was chairman from 2010 to this year.

Both he and his wife, Felicite, were supporters of the performing arts for many years before that and festival-goers since the event started in 1976.

Mr Skinner said: “It is fitting that the first annual award goes to Mr Davidson, whose long history with the festival and in particular his tenure as chairman has seen the festival grow and expand from its inception to today.”

The award is named after a former board member, Edgar Humann who played a major role in the establishment of the festival and who served on the governing body with Mr Davidson.