Barclays Named As First Ever Headline Sponsor Of Liverpool Pride

Liverpool Pride has announced, on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, that Barclays has signed up to be the headline sponsor of this year's annual festival held in the City to champion the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

The agreement makes Barclays, which has been named as a Stonewall Star Performer, the first headline sponsor for Liverpool Pride in its 7-year history. Barclays also announced today it will be headline sponsor of London Pride for the fourth consecutive year.

As headline sponsor of Liverpool Pride, Barclays is embarking upon a 12-month community partnership which will provide access to employment, financial services, and, access to training for digital and financial awareness supported by the many Barclays colleagues across its branch network and contact centres in Kirkby and Wavertree Technology Park.

Mark Armario, Director of Premier, Barclays UK said: "I'm enormously proud that Barclays will be the first headline sponsor of Liverpool Pride 2017.

"It's the highlight of the LGBT calendar in the City and a true celebration of the power and importance of diversity. Our on-going relationship with Pride, both in Liverpool and across the UK, is just one of the ways in which we show our commitment to the LGBT+ community.

"Encouraging greater diversity within organisations is an essential driver of long-term, sustainable success and at Barclays we work hard to create a culture that enables colleagues, customers and clients to express who they are. We have a strong track record in promoting the LGBT agenda and our sponsorship of this year's event shows just how important equality and diversity are to us."

Liverpool Pride is a free event, and this year's festival will again take place across two days at St George's Quarter - on Saturday 29 July and Sunday 30 July 2017.

Festival organisers recently announced that acclaimed Mersey singer and former Soft Cell front man Marc Almond will headline Liverpool Pride 2017.

The event will be the eighth consecutive Liverpool Pride festival and has become the region's established annual celebration of all things LGBT attracting over 32,000 festivalgoers last year.

The theme for Liverpool Pride 2017 is International Love, with organisers spreading the Liverpool message far and wide. Liverpool Pride's International Love theme will also complement a city-wide season of events and performances to mark the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love and the decriminalization of homosexuality. The 50 Summers of Love season will run from May to August 2017.

Liverpool Pride Festival Chair Lucy Day commented: "Barclays are champions of equality and diversity, spreading international love across the world.

"This is a hugely exciting partnership which goes way beyond the event, allowing us to collectively deliver real impact for the LGBT+ community.

"We've been working with the Barclays team in Liverpool for the last 12 months and we've been blown away by their passion, enthusiasm and ideas. Their involvement will make this year's Liverpool Pride something truly special. We invite other companies to follow their lead!"

Manchester Airport has also come on-board this year to support Liverpool Pride Festival 2017 as the Official Airport Sponsor. The airport joins Radio City, who has been named as the Official Media Partner for this year's event.

If you'd like to get involved as a sponsor or wish to keep up to date with Liverpool Pride's new announcements visit:

Website www.liverpoolpride.co.uk

Facebook LiverpoolPride

Twitter @LiverpoolPride

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