Pride Parade 2024

🌈 Join the Insurance Institute of Manchester (‘IIM’) at Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Make a Difference! 🌈

Calling all proud individuals, allies, and advocates of the LGBTQ+ community!

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Manchester LGBTQ+ Pride Parade happening on Saturday 24th August 2024.

Get ready to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and create lasting memories in a vibrant, positive, and empowering atmosphere.

Date: Saturday 24th August 2024

Location: Manchester City Centre, DAC Beachcroft Manchester Office

Time: The Parade usually starts at 12pm and takes around 60-90 minutes to complete the route. Before the Parade we will gather for a pre-parade brunch event where you will have opportunity to socialise and/or network with other attendees.

This will be held at DAC Beachcroft's office in Spinningfields, and will run from 10am-11:30am.

🎉 What to Expect 🎉

The Manchester LGBTQ+ Pride Parade is more than just a procession; it's a powerful platform for voices to be heard, stories to be shared, and love to be celebrated. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Buzzin’ to be Queer - A Hive of Progress’. The iconic worker bee, deeply rooted in Manchester's history, emerges as the focal symbol for this year's theme, representing hard work, unity, and the vibrant energy of the city.

Throughout the day, we will be raising funds for the IIM President’s chosen charity, Reuben’s Retreat.

The charity’s mission is to relieve the distress of families who have suffered the loss of a child or have a child living with medical complexities. We encourage all event attendees to contribute generously to this noble cause, highlighting that our fundraising efforts will be a central part of the parade.

Prepare for a day filled with energy, unity, love, and colourful displays of solidarity as we march through the heart of the city, spreading joy and acceptance. Think bee costumes, hives, flowers, and anything that represents progress and unity to you.

✨ Highlights of the Parade ✨

- Fabulous Floats: Witness extravagant floats adorned with striking colours, imaginative designs, and joyful performers. Each float represents a unique story and a vibrant expression of love and pride.

- Community Spirit: Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration as the IIM, along with other organisations and businesses, come together to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

- Performances: Enjoy performances from other entrants who will grace the parade route and keep the energy levels high throughout the day.

🤝 Join us 🤝

We will hold a pre-parade networking/social brunch event in the morning. This will include LGBTQ+ speakers, paint-your-pride, gay bingo/quiz, and more.

We highly encourage attendance as this event will act as a fantastic meeting point before we start the parade itself. It will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow participants, enjoy fun activities, and get into the spirit of the day.

As you participate in this incredible event, you will be part of a team dedicated to promoting professional excellence and fostering a diverse and inclusive insurance industry.

By joining us on the day, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, network, contribute to the advancement of the insurance sector, and have fun! Whether you're an insurance professional or simply interested in the industry, we welcome you to be part of our vibrant community.

🌟 How to Get Involved 🌟

- Walk with Pride: Grab your friends, colleagues, and loved ones and join us in the parade as a group or individual. Show your support for the IIM, the LGBTQ+ community, and let your pride shine.

- Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness of this IIM event by sharing details with your networks on social media platforms and within your firms. Let everyone know about this exciting event and encourage them to participate.

- Join us on the day: If you're interested in joining us on the day, please book using the booking link. We would be thrilled to have you on board! We anticipate high demand for this event, so entries are on a first-come first-served basis.

As a reminder of what’s in store, here are a few memories from previous IIM Pride Parade events:

Let's come together, celebrate diversity, and make a positive impact at the Manchester LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. It's time to shine a light on love, acceptance, and equality for all. Join us on this memorable day and be part of something extraordinary!

Together we can make a difference and create a future where love knows no bounds.

🌈🎉 Spread Love. Spread Pride 🌈🎉

Both events build on our previous successful Pride Parade entries, and we are now offering a chance for local businesses to sponsor the day’s activities.

The sponsorship packages include the following points to encourage your involvement in the events, and ensure your brand achieves prominence in the market:

🌈 Before Parade Day 🌈

The IIM has over 5,300 members and works with further firms and individuals across the wider Manchester market.

• Your logo and company details will appear on the event page(s) of the IIM website in the run-up to the Parade.
• A LinkedIn post will be published from the IIM, tagging your company’s involvement in support of the events.
• Your involvement in the Parade, including permit and associated costs, will all be organised by the IIM.

🌈 On the day of the Parade 🌈

The Parade takes place with over 4,000 participants and 170,000 visitors over the weekend, providing a wide opportunity for brand exposure supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

• Pre-Parade Networking Brunch providing an opportunity to kick-start your Pride experience, and network with your fellow walkers. Food and refreshments will be provided so you start the walk fully energised.
• As part of the Networking Brunch, a pre-Parade LGBTQ+ panel discussion will be held, encompassing discussion on LGBTQ+ identities and themes. The Networking Brunch will also feature Gay Bingo, a Pride Quiz and ‘Paint-Your-Pride’.
• Up to 10 spaces (or 5 for the reduced price below) reserved for your staff and guests, to take part in the Pre-Parade Networking Brunch and the Parade walk.
• Your company logo on the large IIM Parade banner, carried at the front of our walking party.
• Sashes, flags, whistles, face paints and more will be provided for your staff to enjoy in the Parade.
• A one-off IIM memento will be provided to your staff to show appreciation for their attendance.

Price:

£495 (10 Spaces) or

£300 (5 Spaces)

For any questions please contact Jordan Hurst, Deputy Chair of MIIndful Committee for the Insurance Institute of Manchester jordan.hurst@clewis.com