Village Drinks off to a flying start in 2010.

At 6 foot 10 inches, the former basketball star John Amaechi is no stranger to heights, and that should stand him in good stead for his appearance at the next Village Drinks event, which takes place at Cloud 23, in Manchester's tallest building - the Hilton Hotel.

Village Drinks - the social network for gay professionals - have teamed up with Manchester Pride for the Cloud 23 event, which takes place on February 23.

John Amaechi will be appearing at the event to talk about his life and achievements this LGBT History Month. Half of the money raised at the event will be going to Manchester Pride.

Village Drinks Events Manager, Justin Moore said: "I feel very passionately about the Village Drinks Up North events as they provide both business and social networking opportunities to the gay community in the North. Guests have already fed back that they have gained employment and new friends through these events which is exactly what we aim to do."

Jackie Crozier, Manchester Pride Festival Manager added: "We're delighted to be working alongside Village Drinks in their role as a community partner to the festival. By working together as a community like this, we can meet like-minded people across professions and create an atmosphere where being gay in the workplace isn't an isolating and daily hassle."

Village Drinks started in London, but now organises events for gay professionals across the country. To register for the Manchester, Cloud 23 event, click here.

Unemployed? Need a confidence boost? Come to the LGF's free confidence building sessions, to find out more and pour yourself a cup of ambition, click here.