Manchester Airport and easyJet have joined forces to fly on the wings of ‘Love’ as the main sponsors of Manchester’s Big Weekender.
Staff from the jet setting companies will be marching down the runway for the ‘Love’ themed parade with a vibrant and eye-catching float from 1pm on August 23.
This will be the third consecutive year that both have sponsored the LGBT celebrations, and expectations are high that this year’s Big Weekender will be better than ever.
“We’re really pleased to welcome aboard the UK’s largest airline and Manchester Airport as this year’s lead sponsors of the Big Weekend,” said Mark Fletcher, Chief Executive of Manchester Pride.
“EasyJet and Manchester Airport are perfect partners to help us fly the Pride flag and it’s great to receive their continued support.”
“Our aim this year is to make the Big Weekend more accessible than ever, packed with inspiring and colourful events for the LGBT community.
“And to ensure that Manchester lives up to its reputation as one of the UK’s leading cities for celebrating LGBT life whist raising essential funds for LGBT and HIV groups and charities throughout the region.”
Manchester Airport showed its support for Pride earlier this year when it played host to the glitzy Supersonic fundraiser where X factor winner Sam Bailey performed.
Quirky bands Twisted Tubes and Felix Hagan and The Family also entertained those who attended, and a charity auction raised thousands of pounds for Pride.
Andrew Cowan, Chief Operating Officer of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said: “We are pleased to jointly sponsor the Manchester Pride festival, alongside one of our largest airlines, easyJet, as we prepare to welcome thousands of international visitors to the region over the Bank Holiday Weekend.”
He added: “We hope the event will be a great success and wish everyone – staff taking part and members of the public – a great time.”
This year’s Big Weekend is set to be the biggest one yet, with more than 100,000 visitors set to attend as people from across the UK and Europe flock to Manchester’s world-renowned Gay Village.
Easyjet will be doing there bit to get people here, and are expected to will be flying in an estimated 10,000 passengers in the days running up to Pride with many expected to be attending the Big Weekend.
Ali Gayward, easyJet UK Commercial Manager, said: “easyJet is proud to be at Manchester Pride 2014 as we celebrate our third year of sponsorship.
“It is testament to the strong relationship we’ve built with the festival and the local community, as well as Manchester Airport, where we have continued to grow our presence.
“With crowds being drawn in from far and wide, this is sure to be a fantastic event celebrating diversity and we’re excited to be a part of that.”
Image courtesy of Andy Mitchell, with thanks
