Manchester Pride is proud to welcome back The Co-operative as one of their sponsors for the 2011 festival, and their 21^st birthday.

The Co-operative features in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and is recognised for their Respect LGBT Network. They are huge supporters of Manchester Pride, the city where their headquarters is based, and will again this year be featuring as a part of the Pride Parade (Saturday 27 August).

George Meudell, Project Manager at The Co-operative and Chair of The Co-operative’s Respect LGBT Employee Network, said: “The Co-operative is delighted to be sponsoring Manchester Pride for a third consecutive year. Supporting the inclusion of all employees, irrespective of difference, is taken incredibly seriously by the organisation. The Co-operative is the only retailer in Stonewall’s Top 100 employers list. We have a dedicated Diversity team and an LGBT Employee Network called Respect with over 700 members. Being present at numerous Pride festivals throughout the UK is just one of the ways we can demonstrate that as a business we are well and truly ‘good for everyone’.”

Jackie Crozier, festival director at Manchester Pride, said: “The Co-operative are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all employees and are renowned for their support of the LGBT community. We are delighted to have their support once again for 2011, both as a sponsor and in our parade, and we look forward to seeing what they have in-store for us this year on their float.”

For more information on The Co-operative and other sponsors of Manchester Pride, please see the ‘Sponsors’ section on its official website.

Manchester Pride takes place from Friday 19 August until Monday 29 August, and tickets for the Big Weekend are now on sale. For more information please visit: www.manchesterpride.com. For up-to- date information, follow us on Twitter: @ManchesterPride