Thomas Cook Airlines and Manchester Airport have announced they will be returning as headline sponsors of Manchester Pride’s The Big Weekend.

As well as sponsoring the four-day event, the pair will also be sponsoring the main stage again, which will now be known as the “Thomas Cook Airlines USA Stage”.

It is the sixth consecutive year for Manchester Airport as headline sponsor, and the third for Thomas Cook Airlines. It is the second time they have sponsored the main stage at the iconic event, with the overall profile focusing on new direct flights to San Francisco from Manchester Airport by Thomas Cook Airlines, which has its headquarters at the airport.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend The Big Weekend. During the Bank Holiday weekend Manchester Airport is set to welcome hundreds of thousands of passengers through its three terminals.

The airline and airport will again have a Manchester Pride Parade entry, plus they plan to take a space in the Expo, which will be dedicated to talking to visitors about equal employment opportunities available at Thomas Cook Airlines and Manchester Airport.

Mark Fletcher, CEO for Manchester Pride, said; “We have true partners in Thomas Cook Airlines and Manchester Airport and couldn’t wish for more committed or supportive sponsors. Last year’s activity was a massive success and we can’t wait to see the Thomas Cook Airlines cabin crew connecting with our audience on the ‘The Thomas Cook Airlines USA Stage’ in August.

“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.”