Question: What local government authority, led by Sir Richard Leese, has financially backed an annual event showcasing new writing talent from across the North West?
Sentence (from "24:7 Theatre Festival"): It was founded in 2004 by David Slack and Amanda Hennessey, and has continued annually since, with patrons including the actors Robert Powell, John Henshaw, David Fleeshman and Sue Jenkins.
Relevant evidence: Yes