Thomas Cook Airlines To Support Manchester Pride’s The Big Weekend For Fourth Year

News
30/01/2018

Manchester Based Airline confirmed as Headline Sponsors at one of Europe’s largest LGBT Celebrations


Thomas Cook Airlines has announced today it will be returning as headline sponsor of Manchester Pride’s The Big Weekend. As well as sponsoring the four day event, the Manchester based airline will also be sponsoring the Main Stage - renamed the Thomas Cook Airlines Stage in honour of its continued partnership with the Charity - which has seen the likes of Danni Minogue, Clean Bandit, Melanie C, Example, Louisa Johnson and Heather Small perform to thousands of festival goers.


The airline, which has become particularly well known for its long-haul direct routes from Manchester Airport into the USA, will continue to work closely with the charity which brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city each August bank holiday weekend.


The airline will once again show its support by taking part in the Manchester Pride Parade as it marches proudly through the city, with visitors to The Big Weekend getting up-close and personal with representatives from the airline at The Expo, including cabin crew and pilots. Festival visitors can find out all-things Thomas Cook Airlines, from recruitment opportunities to flight destinations from those who live and breathe the industry on a day to day basis.


Mark Fletcher, Chief Executive for Manchester Pride, said;

“We have true partners in Thomas Cook Airlines who continue to be committed sponsors of one of our flagship events. Last year we saw them emblazon a rainbow heart on one of their planes to illustrate their support for LGBT+ people throughout the world. I know that this is an important partnership at the heart of their business and would like to personally thank them for their continued enthusiasm and support as we plan for The Big Weekend 2018.”


Chief Group Airlines Officer, Christoph Debus, said;

"We love Manchester. It is our UK headquarters and we are proud to once again sponsor the Manchester Pride’s The Big Weekend in 2018. We will celebrate the amazing diversity of this city and all of our communities, and show that Manchester is an exciting hub that we connect to the most beautiful destinations around the world. We have direct long-haul routes from Manchester to the USA including our newest addition, Seattle, which will take-off for the first time in May this year – 2018 is definitely one to celebrate!”


Sharon Confue, Head of Sales UK, Thomas Cook Airlines said,

"Our partnership with Manchester Pride is something we are exceptional proud of and our involvement demonstrates the diversity of the trade in which we work. It’s fantastic to see so many of our industry peers present at the event, many of who join us in the parade and celebrate at the Thomas Cook Airlines Stage. We believe it is important to reflect our customers and our crew in all of the causes we support. Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend is one of the biggest civic events in one of our most important markets and we can’t wait for this year’s event!”


Thomas Cook Airlines is official sponsors of Manchester Pride’s The Big Weekend which takes place from Friday 24th to Monday 27th August. They are also official sponsors of “The Thomas Cook Airlines Stage”. Tens of thousands of people from across the UK and Europe flock to Manchester’s world-renowned Gay Village for the event and to watch the parade.


Thomas Cook Airlines is Manchester Airport’s biggest long haul carrier, with direct services from Manchester to San Francisco, LA, Boston, Miami, New York and Las Vegas. The airline also flies to many popular European destinations including Mykonos, Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Malta and Santorini.


Thomas Cook Airlines serves its U.S destinations with a fleet of seven long-haul aircraft with completely refurbished and upgraded cabins, James Martin meals, Premium class cabin and wider, comfier seats and seat-back inflight entertainment.


For more information about Manchester Pride visit http://manchesterpride.com/