N2O unlocks exclusive brand access to THE UK’s first experiential Manchester Pride Village.

Exclusive access via N2O for brands to activate within Manchester Village Pride 2026, as the event launches the UK’s first-ever experiential Pride village

Multi-award-winning creative brand experience agency, N2O, has secured exclusive access for brands to activate at Manchester Village Pride – a newly established, community-led initiative designed to protect and rebuild Pride following the collapse of the previous organisation. Led by unpaid volunteer directors and backed by investment from local LGBTQ+ venues, the event puts community, inclusivity and reinvestment at its core.

Working with Horlock House, a specialist in brand partnerships within LGBTQ+ culture, N2O will put brands at the centre of the celebration, which sits Manchester’s iconic Gay Village – long recognised as one of the UK’s most important LGBTQ+ cultural destinations. For 2026, the Village will evolve into a curated experiential environment, with N2O holding the key to unlock limited, high-impact brand activations within the space.

This marks the first time brands have been able to engage audiences experientially within the Village itself during Pride, and is set to place them directly inside four days of programming across the August Bank Holiday weekend, including performances, nightlife, community showcases and the city’s Pride Parade.

Jack Horlock, Cultural Partnerships Director at N2O, said:

“This is a genuinely unique moment. The Village is the beating heart of Pride in Manchester, and for the first time, brands can be part of that in a way that feels authentic, creative and impactful. We are offering a rare opportunity for brands to show up at the cultural heart of one of the country’s most significant LGBTQ+ celebrations.”

“Unlike traditional sponsorship routes, access to the experiential village is intentionally restricted, ensuring that brand presence enhances rather than disrupts the authenticity of Pride. The result is a premium, high-demand opportunity for brands looking to connect meaningfully with LGBTQ+ audiences in a culturally relevant setting.”

“We’ve worked closely with Manchester Village Pride to create something that protects the integrity of the event while opening the door for brands to show up properly. It’s not mass sponsorship, but carefully curated, and limited-access. That’s what makes it so powerful, and why it’s a do-not-miss opportunity for brands this year”, he continued.

Andrew Underwood, Co-Director at Manchester Village Pride added: “Bringing Pride back to the Village is about more than location, it’s about restoring ownership to the community.”

“Partnering with N2O allows us to introduce brands in a way that aligns with our values and enhances the experience, rather than detracting from it. This approach brings new energy and investment into the Village while keeping Pride rooted in the people and spaces that made it what it is,” he continued.

With the Gay Village operating as a large-scale live event space across Pride weekend – including outdoor stages, performances and activations – the experiential village offers brands a rare chance to engage audiences at scale, in an environment defined by openness, celebration and cultural relevance.

With limited space and strong early interest, brands are being encouraged to secure access now. Contact: jack.horlock@n2o.co.uk

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For two days only, Londoners will find themselves travelling through history and art. The ticket hall and escalators at Charing Cross, one of the capital’s busiest Tube stations, will be reimagined as “Haring Cross” – a striking pop-up tribute to Keith Haring, one of the world’s most celebrated artists, and his legendary collaboration with Absolut Vodka in the 1980s.

The activation marks the next chapter of the global Absolut Haring launch, turning the daily commute into a captivating and unexpected cultural experience. Stepping off the escalator, commuters, visitors and tourists will be greeted in the ticket hall by two original Absolut Vodka paintings by Haring from 1986, displayed in public for the very first time in the UK. These works once transformed Absolut’s apothecary-shaped bottle into an icon of the art world – and now return to the underground, where Haring’s energy first ignited.

• two original Absolut Vodka artworks by Keith Haring are on display to the public
• free posters depicting the artworks available at the two-day event
• the experience celebrates the recent launch of the Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle
• celebrating a shared belief that art is for everybody

Rooted in Haring’s belief that “art is for everybody”, visitors will also be able to take away a free poster depicting one of Haring’s paintings on display (while stocks last). This iconic piece of artwork, featuring its unmistakable red lines and dancing figures set against a bold yellow canvas, became an Absolut campaign classic in 1986. A must-see if you happen to be in London in mid-September, this one-off project transforms the hustle and bustle of underground ticket halls and escalators into ‘Haring Cross’ – an immersive space adorned with graphic elements inspired by Keith Haring, for everyone to enjoy.

Haring wanted to make art accessible to everyone. His paintings, subway chalk drawings and public murals – whether dancing figures or barking dogs – vibrated with energy while carrying a deeper meaning beneath their playful surface. Just as Haring used art to capture imaginations and explore universal truths, Absolut has always believed that art for all can inspire, uplift, unite and open minds. The Absolut Haring artworks on display serve as a visual reminder of Haring’s belief in creativity as a unifying force, celebrating the power of art to drive positive change.

Deb Dasgupta, VP Global Marketing, Absolut Vodka, says: “Absolut has always believed that art should be open, joyful and for everyone. Keith Haring’s work radiated that belief – full of energy, colour and hope. With Absolut Haring, we’re inviting a new generation to celebrate that spirit in a public space – in an underground station that reflects and connects to the subways that inspired Haring more than forty years ago. It’s a vibrant reminder that creativity can inspire, uplift, unite and open minds.”

The ‘Haring Cross’ event follows the launch of the Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle across global travel retail in July and, which will be available across 40 markets from September onwards. The Artist-Edition bottle’s design pulses with energy: a debossed rhythm of dancing figures brought to life in his signature blaze of reds and yellows, cut sharply against Absolut’s distinctive blue. Signed off with Haring’s unmistakable signature on the shrink sleeve, the result is a piece of 3D kinetic art that transforms the original painting into something you can hold, admire and toast with.

David Stark, founder and CEO of Artestar, the agency representing the Keith Haring Studio, says: “Our mission is to keep Keith Haring’s spirit alive by continuing to expand access to his art and the important messages within it. This project with Absolut revives a moment that meant so much to Keith. It’s a wonderful tribute that allows anyone to engage with this special story that started back in 1986.”

Absolut’s collaborations with many influential pop art artists can be traced to 1985, when Andy Warhol first painted Absolut’s bottle and Keith Haring became the second a year later. Over more than two decades, Absolut worked with more than 550 artists who created more than 850 works of art. Today, they form part of the renowned Absolut Art Collection housed at Spritmuseum in Stockholm.

Christer Mellstrand, Museum Director at Spritmuseum, says: “Since 2008, Spritmuseum has been the proud owner of the Absolut Art Collection – a treasure trove of art, or perhaps advertising? Visitors are thrilled to discover that behind many of Absolut’s classic advertising campaigns lie real artworks by renowned artists: paintings, sculptures, drawings and more. Only the paintings by Andy Warhol are, perhaps, more famous in the Collection than Haring’s. To this day, Haring’s energetic and celebratory imagery remains an unmistakable part of contemporary culture.”

Emma Strain, Customer Director at Transport for London (TfL), says: “The London Underground has a long-standing connection to the art world, so we’re delighted to work with Absolut to be able to host Keith Haring’s art at Charing Cross Tube station. Activations like this provide our customers with a new way to experience art in London.”

Visit the ‘Haring Cross’ experience at Charing Cross Tube station for two days only from 17-18 September. The Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle will be available across 40 markets, including the UK, for a limited time only. Please visit www.absolut.com/en-gb/products/absolut-haring/ for more info.

This activation with Transport for London (TfL) consists of Keith Haring vinyls throughout the ticket hall, license to use TfL’s IP to create bespoke roundels to be used within their creative advertising (only) and use of a retail unit to display original Keith Harings. Advertising within the station was booked through Global. It is not a renaming of the station and no customer signage has been changed as part of this activation.

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Global experiential agency Momentum Worldwide UK have created a new immersive music experience for Heathrow. Designed to help travellers relax and reset at the airport, the experience ranges from solo headphone moments to the shared thrill of live performances. By placing music at the heart of the airport journey, Heathrow is tuning the airport experience to a smoother rhythm.

Rooted in the emotional power of sound, Heathrow Sounds is a multi-year cultural journey that starts at the grassroots, tapping into UK music fan culture, emerging talent and local scenes.

Lee Boyle, Head of Terminals (Services) at Heathrow, comments: “As the best-connected airport in the world, Heathrow is where countless unforgettable journeys begin, and we’re always looking for new ways to make the airport experience more memorable. With Heathrow Sounds, we’re harnessing the emotional power of music to create moments of calm, joy and connection that stay with passengers long after take-off.”

“More than just sound, Heathrow Sounds is about bringing feeling back to travel —using music to create unexpected moments of curiosity, calm and emotion along the journey,” comments Georgina Pope, Senior Creative, Momentum Worldwide.

Along the way, the programme will celebrate the British festival season, showcase immersive mindfulness and create unexpected moments of connection across terminals.

The Soundtrack to a Year of Travel

Heathrow Sounds will unfold through a dynamic programme of activations across terminals and digital platforms, including:

Live Performers – Performances and surprise sets from emerging and established UK artists and performers.

Festival Season at Heathrow – Celebration of the summer music calendar with pop-ups, previews and performances.

Mindful Moments – Curated soundscapes to help travellers relax, refocus and recharge before their journey.

Whether it’s helping travellers feel grounded, soothed or energised, Heathrow Sounds harnesses music’s unique ability to tune us in to the moment and experience the world beyond the gate.

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“Win a Taste of the South West” bottles Cornish heritage, foodie fandom, and a dash of instant‑win theatre, creating a campaign as packed with flavour as the IPA itself. Tasked with boosting brand awareness and driving rate of sale, IPM member Activation has crafted a standout promotion that spans both on‑ and off‑trade and speaks directly to Proper Job drinkers’ passions and personalities.

Proper Job drinkers do not sip; they savour. They seek out bold experiences, genuine craft, and big flavours. Audience insights revealed that gastronomy was the perfect playground for these flavour chasers. Brewed in Cornwall, Proper Job already has deep roots in the South West. With a wealth of top‑tier foodie destinations nearby, Activation saw the ideal way to celebrate the beer’s provenance and give food‑loving consumers a prize they could truly relish. Thus, Win a Taste of the South West was born.

A Tour of the Taste Buds

The headline reward puts the power in the winner’s hands: a long‑weekend culinary escape of their choosing. Whether it is seafood mastery with Rick Stein in Padstow, coast‑to‑table flair with Mark Hix in Lyme Regis, Michelin‑level technique from Josh Eggleton near Bristol, artisan baking with Richard Bertinet in Bath, or field‑to‑fork feasting at Hugh Fearnley‑Whittingstall’s River Cottage in Axminster, the choice is theirs. Four‑star accommodation, hearty breakfasts, a generous food‑and‑travel allowance, and an ice‑cold Proper Job to toast each day complete the personalised flavour journey.

Instant Wins That Keep the Flavour Flowing

Even if the grand getaway sails past, the fizz hardly fades. Flame‑ready Mesa firepits, chef‑sharp Pareusi knives and Proper Job e‑vouchers can all be won instantly, each one flashing up the second a code is entered on Activation’s bespoke Promotor microsite.

Joining the draw is refreshingly simple. Shoppers pick up the limited‑edition four‑can pack in store or order a branded pint in participating pubs, upload the unique code at properwin.co.uk, and let fortune pour. From hop to hotplate, Activation has turned every sip into a story and every code into a passport to personalised South West flavour: a Proper Job, done properly.

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Independent brand‑experience agency RPM has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), handing majority ownership to the employees who “power the agency every day,” founder Hugh Robertson announced this week.

“Over 30 years ago, I started this agency with a simple idea: to stay independent, put people first, and create work we could all be proud of. I’m proud to say that RPM is now officially an Employee Ownership Trust.”— Hugh Robertson

Robertson founded RPM in 1993 and has led it ever since, guiding the business to B Corp certification and a reputation for experiential creativity. The new EOT structure protects that independence and formalises the agency’s long‑held belief in a people‑first culture.

RPM was among the UK’s first creative shops to earn B Corp certification in 2021 and continues to nurture future talent through partnerships with Creative Equals, Creative Lives in Progress and local schools.

The leadership team remains in place, while Robertson moves to a non‑executive chair role. He emphasised that it is “business as usual” for clients and partners, adding: “I have full confidence in what comes next.”

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Award-winning brand experience agency, N2O, is delivering a two-week tour of the nation where consumers can nominate local heroes.

Launched in Southampton on June 6^th, the experiential campaign invites the public to nominate their local heroes via written messages at a bespoke, interactive stand. The activation will visit key cities, including Edinburgh, Birmingham, Belfast, Liverpool, and Cardiff, before returning to Southampton.

The activation will amplify P&O Cruises partnership with the Pride of Britain Awards, reinforcing the brand’s purpose-led positioning and celebrating a decade of Britannia. It also marks a strategic milestone in P&O Cruises- partnership of both the Pride of Britain and Pride of Scotland Awards, bringing the campaign off-screen and into communities through meaningful, brand-aligned engagement.

“We’re proud to support P&O Cruises in shining a spotlight on everyday heroes through this powerful, nationwide experience,” said James Brine, Account Director at N2O. “By bringing the Pride of Britain Awards into communities around the UK, we’re giving people a chance to celebrate the extraordinary acts of kindness and courage that often go unseen—and creating truly memorable moments in the process.”

P&O Cruises vice president of sales, marketing and brand Rob Scott said, “Celebrating remarkable people is at the heart of our partnership with the Pride of Britain Awards. Through this UK-wide tour, we’re thrilled to bring that spirit to life in communities across the country, honouring everyday heroes and inviting the public to share the stories that truly inspire us.”

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London, June 9, 2025 – Global experiential agency Momentum Worldwide is excited to announce the appointment of James Cahill as UK Commerce Creative Director for its growing UK Commerce Practice.

James Cahill brings over 20 years of creative experience spanning FMCG, fashion and music industries. He has collaborated with some of the world’s leading brands, including Nike, Rolls-Royce, ASOS, Bacardi and Coca-Cola.

Over the past five years, Cahill has transitioned from agency-side roles to in-house leadership, leading creative teams and helping brands define their unique voices while delivering cohesive narratives that resonate with their audiences.

Cahill shared, “I’m thrilled to join Momentum as UK Commerce Creative Director at such a pivotal time in the growth of its Experiential Commerce Practice. As the lines between brand, experience and transaction continue to blur, I’m excited to help shape innovative, human-centred solutions that drive business and resonate with today’s consumers.”

UK Executive Creative Director,  Jamie Davies at Momentum Worldwide added, “I’m incredibly excited to have James join the creative team here. He brings with him a wealth of big brand, big idea thinking, both in house and agency side, and of course has impeccable commerce credentials to turbo-charge and lead this vital element of our creative offering.”

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Experiential marketing agency, TRO, has been chosen by leading outdoor apparel company, Arc’teryx, to create an unforgettable three-day experience for the UK’s climbing community.

The Arc’teryx Climb Academy Lake District will take place from 24 – 26 May in the scenic Langdale Valley. This one-of-a-kind experience – part of the brand’s global Arc’teryx Academy series – aims to immerse participants in the vibrant UK climbing culture and provide a space for mountain enthusiasts of all levels to advance their skills.

Attendees will take part in various activities, including clinics led by word-class guides and athletes that will empower and educate participants in the unique Lake District landscape, be it through climbing, trail running or bouldering.

Basecamp at Sticklebarn will be in full flow throughout the weekend, serving as the experience’s central hub, where climbers can test the latest Arc’teryx apparel, repair gear at the ReBIRD™ circularity pop-up and experience a weekend of free events.

Each day will culminate in a relaxed atmosphere where participants can refuel and reconnect over live music and film screenings.

Chris Booker, New Business and Marketing Director, TRO, said: “With their commitment to community participation, innovation and circularity, Arc’teryx is really leading the way when it comes to brand experience. From our first conversation, it’s been clear that we really share a vision and philosophy, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have been appointed to support them on their journey.”

Tim Harty, Senior Manager Brand Experience, Arc’teryx, added: “We’re thrilled to have TRO on board ahead of the 5th edition of the Lake District Academy—an event designed to connect, inspire, and empower the UK climbing community. Together, with TRO’s production expertise and shared values, we’re excited to deepen the experience for the incredible community at the core of this unique event.”

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Global experiential agency Momentum Worldwide announces the appointment of Jason Alan Snyder as its first-ever Global Chief AI Officer, marking a transformative move in the agency’s commitment to delivering intelligent brand systems through responsible innovation.
 
Snyder, who currently serves as Chief Technology Officer and head of global production, will continue in that capacity. His appointment as Chief AI Officer reflects the agency’s recognition that artificial intelligence is not simply a technological shift but a business imperative in advertising.

“Jason’s appointment reflects where our industry is headed—and how Momentum plans to continue to lead it,” said Donnalyn Smith, Global CEO of Momentum Worldwide. “He has a rare ability to turn complex systems into a brand advantage, and his vision ensures our clients stay ahead, responsibly and creatively.”

An accomplished technologist and inventor, Snyder has led the development of intellectual property for Momentum spanning AI systems, data orchestration and real-time production technologies. This work has become a key part of Momentum’s innovation moat, enabling the agency to deliver proprietary solutions far beyond commercialized AI tools.

“This is not about hype—it’s about helping our clients navigate and lead through complexity,” said Snyder. “As Chief AI Officer, my focus is embedding intelligence into every layer of what we do—from operations to concept to execution—making AI a trusted partner in delivering the smartest brand experiences.”

Momentum has a rich legacy of technology “firsts,” from real-time fan engagement platforms and spatial computing activations to immersive digital twins and generative content engines. This appointment represents the natural next phase of that journey: formalizing AI as a strategic core of the business, rooted in innovation, ethics and outcomes.
 
With Snyder at the helm of AI and production, Momentum is doubling down on scalable, intelligent and immersive brand experiences. The agency’s vision is clear: to help clients navigate complexity through powerful systems that marry technology, creativity and cultural relevance.

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Iconic British folding bicycle manufacturer, Brompton, has appointed experiential marketing experts, TRO, to deliver the Brompton World Championship in London this summer, in a milestone year that celebrates the brand’s 50^th anniversary.

The participatory event, taking place from 20^th to 22^nd June at Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross, will bring together more than 500 Brompton riders to compete in a series of races around the city streets, with 50,000 spectators expected to create a fun-filled, celebratory atmosphere. The event will sit alongside the Via Criterium as part of the London Cycling Festival.

At the heart of the event, TRO will harness their festival expertise to create The Brompton Village – a vibrant hub for Brompton’s community to come together and connect through a range of experiences that embody its brand ethos of fun, inclusivity and adventure.

The flagship event will also explore the brand’s legacy, offer limited edition anniversary merch and preview new products, with additional community ride-outs and experiences set to extend the activation beyond the festival.

Chris Booker, New Business & Marketing Director, TRO, said: “We’re delighted to be working with such an iconic brand in what is a real milestone year. Their ethos of community, inclusivity and fun perfectly aligns with our own outlook as an agency, and we can’t wait to bring Brompton fans together for what promises to be a special event.”

Chris Willingham, Global Marketing Director, Brompton, said “The Brompton World Championships brings together our community from around the world for the ultimate Brompton celebration. In our 50^th year, this will be extra special; TRO understood exactly what and how we could make this the best BWC yet and have the proven expertise to deliver it.”

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