Manchester Airport and Thomas Cook confirm Pride sponsorship deal

Manchester Airport and Thomas Cook Airlines are set to return as headline sponsors of Manchester Pride’s The Big Weekend.

The deal marks the sixth consecutive year for the airport as a top sponsor and the third for Thomas Cook.

For both organisations, it will be the second time they have sponsored the main stage at the the four-day event.

In 2017, their profile will focus on the carrier’s new direct route to San Francisco, with the main stage renamed the Thomas Cook Airlines USA Stage.

Tens of thousands of visitors are forecast to arrive in the city for The Big Weekend over the August Bank Holiday, as Manchester Airport prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of passengers in its three terminals.

Airport chief exec Ken O’Toole said: “We are pleased to jointly sponsor Manchester Pride’s The Big Weekend, alongside one of our largest airlines, as we prepare to welcome thousands of international visitors to the region over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

“We hope the event will be a great success and wish everyone – staff taking part and members of the public – a great time.”

Thomas Cook’s chief hotels and airlines officer, Christoph Debus, commented: “Last year was such a great party and we want to go even bigger and better this year to celebrate the amazing diversity in our communities and to strengthen the connection we provide between the North West and our seven direct routes to the USA.”

Mark Fletcher, the chief executive of Manchester Pride, said: “We have true partners in Thomas Cook Airlines and Manchester Airport and couldn’t wish for more committed or supportive sponsors.

“I’m looking forward to building on the successful partnership in 2017 as we work together to promote The Big Weekend and the new routes to the USA that Thomas Cook Airlines serve directly from Manchester Airport.”

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