HEINEKEN UK is proud to announce its new sponsorship of Manchester Pride, one of the UK’s leading LGBTQIA+ celebrations, further cementing HEINEKEN UK’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, equity and diversity.
As the home of HEINEKEN UK’s biggest brewery, the company is a major employer in the city, and brews over two and a half million of pints of beer there every day.
This August, more than 100 HEINEKEN UK colleagues will proudly take part in the Manchester Pride Parade, celebrating love, diversity and the power of community, under the banner ‘Brewing in Manchester With Love.’
“At HEINEKEN UK, inclusivity is not just a value — it’s who we are,” said Boudewijn Haarsma, Managing Director of HEINEKEN UK. “We’re delighted to support Manchester Pride; an event that reflects our belief in the joy of true togetherness, and in a city where many of our colleagues live and work. This partnership is an important part of how we create a workplace — and help to create a world — where everyone is free to be themselves.”
Mark Fletcher, chief executive at Manchester Pride, added “We’re pleased to welcome HEINEKEN UK to Manchester Pride this year. Heineken’s commitment to creating spaces where everyone can show up as their full, authentic selves aligns strongly with our own values, and we’re proud to be partnering with them. With their largest UK brewery based right here in Manchester, we’re seeing firsthand the impact of their Heineken Open and Proud colleague network in championing inclusion and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Not just within their teams, but across the wider industry.”
This year’s celebration will also see HEINEKEN UK’s Strongbow cider brand activated at Pride events. Since its relaunch in 2023, Strongbow has been on a mission to become the UK’s most inclusive cider and Pride offers a joyful opportunity to connect with people in a meaningful and memorable way.
HEINEKEN UK’s sponsorship of Manchester Pride reflects the company’s wider goal of being a great place to work — one where fun, openness, and belonging are key to colleagues’ experiences.
Boudewijn Haarsma continues: “From our brewery floor to the streets of Manchester, HEINEKEN UK is proud to champion diversity and celebrate the communities that make this city great.”
HEINEKEN UK will take part in the parade with 100 colleagues, alongside Manchester-based DJ Palace Plastick, and local drag queens, Ramona Love and Skylar Cister.
To get your tickets to Manchester Pride events and learn more about the Parade, visit: manchesterpride.com/parade