Manchester Day 2011 sponsors announced

Manchester is set to once again turn into one massive carnival for the second Manchester Day.

The family event will take place on Father's Day, Sunday 19 June.

Following on from last year's success, dozens of groups from across the city are already working on bringing alive this year's theme - the Voyage of Discovery.

And some big name firms have signed up to be proud sponsors of the event, with more than half of the event being funded by private companies.

Founding sponsor Siemens, one of the world's leading global engineering companies, are being joined by Manchester stalwart The Co-operative.

Both have strong ties to the city, with Siemens employing more than 1,000 at its West Didsbury base and the Co-operative employing more than 3,000 people and currently in the process of building a new headquarters in the city centre as part of a £800m regeneration project.

Major construction firms Laing O'Rourke and Lend Lease have joined the main sponsors together with Manchester Airport , Wates Construction and GB Building. Talks are also ongoing with other potential sponsors and city centre stores to help make the parade a huge success.

Councillor Pat Karney, chair of Manchester Day said: "In our first year the Manchester Day Parade surpassed all expectations and set the foundation for a fantastic annual event in the city.

"This year will be another world-class event. This celebration is not only a great day out for all the family, and a good way to celebrate Father's Day, but generates a massive economic benefit for city centre businesses. Last year, it was worth £4.1m to them."

Councillor Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure at Manchester City Council said: "Having these high profile sponsors on board illustrates the esteem in which the parade is now viewed by business. We are delighted once again to work with Siemens and to welcome the Co-operative on board and Manchester Airport . They are huge employers, with a clear commitment to the city. Their sponsorship demonstrates how important this event now is in the cultural calendar of the city."

Justin Kelly, Head of Strategy & Communications at Siemens Industry, said: "Siemens is delighted to be sponsoring the Manchester Day Parade for the second successive year. We are proud to be part of the community here in Manchester and of our company's close links with a city which has always been at the forefront of innovation. We hope that the event is a great success and that people from all walks of life will join together to celebrate our city."

Liz Matkin, Head of Sponsorship at the Co-operative said: "We are very proud to be part of the Manchester Day Parade this year. Our commitment to Manchester is second to none and we feel it is important to be involved in an event which celebrates the proud communities that live here and captures the spirit that this great city has to offer."

The Manchester Day parade, commissioned by the Council and produced by the internationally renowned Walk the Plank, will feature an array of artistic and creative elements based on the Voyage of Discovery theme.

Liz Pugh, Producer, Walk the Plank said: "The Manchester Day Parade is unique and very special, because it is created by the people of the city it celebrates, it's free, and open to everyone and anyone to enjoy. We've received a huge level of interest, and those who will be participating have come up with some very imaginative ideas. The second Manchester Day Parade is certainly shaping up to be as vivid, exhilarating and eclectic as the first."

Artists are working with some of the 80 community groups on creations that celebrate the city, its journey from village to 21st century world-class city alongside more personal journeys of discovery as well as achievements in sport, music and science all of which have helped Manchester emerge as one of the world's most iconic cities.

The Council is also calling on volunteers to help make the event a success. If you are interested in being part of this truly spectacular event contact Manchester Events Volunteer on 0161 234 1530 or email info@mev.org.uk .

For more information on Manchester Day visit the website http://www.themanchesterdayparade.co.uk/