by Jim Byers
Last updated: 9:05 PM ET, Wed February 28, 2018
Thomas Cook Airlines has announced it will be returning as headline sponsor of Manchester Pride's The Big Weekend.
As well as sponsoring the four-day event, Thomas Cook Airlines will also be sponsoring the Main Stage - renamed the Thomas Cook Airlines Stage in honor 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.
"We have true partners in Thomas Cook Airlines who continue to be committed sponsors of one of our flagship events," said Mark Fletcher, Chief Executive for Manchester Pride. "Last year we saw them emblazon a rainbow heart on one of their planes to illustrate their support for LGBT+ through 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."
"We love Manchester," said Christoph Debus, Chief Group Airlines Officer at Thomas Cook. "It is our UK headquarters and we are proud to once again sponsor 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!"
Thomas Cook Airlines is official sponsor of Manchester Pride's The Big Weekend, which takes place from Friday Aug. 24 to Monday Aug. 27. 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.
Topics From This Article to Explore
