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Our chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen added: “Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays have long been staunch supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and we strongly believe in making our business as inclusive and welcoming as possible. “When brands like Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays are able to carry a message across the globe in support of LGBTQ+ people it is extremely powerful and I am confident that we will work together over the next three years to drive real change both here in Manchester and throughout the world.” “I am honoured to be partnering with an organisation that is so committed to placing diversity and equality at the heart of everything it does,” said Mark Fletcher, chief executive for Manchester Pride (pictured above with our cabin crew). Along with Virgin Holidays we’ve worked tirelessly to drive change, including fighting for diversity in the Caribbean by working with local governments, tourist bodies and hoteliers, using same sex couples in an advertising campaign in India after the country decriminalised homosexuality in 2018, as well as raising awareness through the world-famous Pride Flight commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion. We’re committed to supporting LGBTQ+ people and fighting for diversity and inclusion around the globe, with the aim of becoming the most inclusive brand in travel. Set to run from Friday 28th August to Monday 31st August, Manchester Pride Festival 2020 will comprise the Manchester Pride Parade, Manchester Pride Live, the Candlelit Vigil, the Superbia Weekend, the Gay Village Party, and Youth Pride MCR. The festival is made up of a programme of events, and last year brought big-name artists to the UK city including Arianda Grande, Years and Years, Kim Petras and Cheryl Cole. Manchester Pride Festival takes over the city every August bank holiday weekend, and is the charity’s flagship event. Every penny it raises is ploughed back into the communities it supports and is dedicated to promoting and raising awareness for LGBTQ+ issues and the fight for equality across the city. Manchester Pride is a charity that campaigns for equality, celebrates LGBTQ+ life and creates opportunities that engage LGBTQ+ people so they can thrive.