A WOMAN who vowed to make Barnsley Pride a success as a legacy to a dear friend who died six years ago has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.
Aimee Philips first got involved in the annual Pride event when she was running a pub on Wellington Street which hosted the Tuesday evening LGBTQ+ meetings.
“I first got involved about eight years ago,” said Aimee. “We hosted the weekly events at the pub and the Pride organisers asked if we could help them save the annual event.
“They had no funding and no location. I really wanted it to work, to become a community event and over the years we have managed to grow it.
“By the third year, the event picked up a bit of momentum but it is always really hard work it had grown in size by 2019.
“There were lots more challenges post-Covid but we were approached by the council to be part of their Big Weekend event which was great.”
Aimee is mum to two toddlers, has a full-time nine-to-five job and owns a pub but she still puts her heart and soul into planning the annual event.
“Despite it being so much work, I always remember why I am doing it.”
It’s six years this month since Aimee’s friend Liam Mills, who went by the drag name Tess Tickle, died following diabetic complications and Aimee says: “Pulling the event together is always a struggle and there is so much to do but I made a promise to Liam and, although we are a really small team, we always make it happen.”
Aimee is optimistic that Barnsley Pride will continue to thrive, having recently managed to secure some lottery funding.
“These events often have to operate on a shoe-string budget and Prides all over the country didn’t take place this year but I like to think that Barnsley Pride is different, we stick to our community values with local acts.
“The lottery funding is a massive breakthrough for us and it means that we can do so much.
“I always knew that our perseverance would pay off and there is an exciting year coming up with more people on board and we’re in the process of registering as a charity as well as putting a community plan in place.”
The Community Hero nomination from fellow Pride organiser Macauley Jacobson said: “I would like to nominate Aimee for the Community Hero award in recognition of her exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to Barnsley Pride.
“Aimee has been a driving force behind Barnsley Pride, working tirelessly often behind the scenes to create a safe, inclusive, and celebratory space for the LGBTQ+ community in Barnsley and beyond. Her passion and leadership have helped grow the event year after year, making it one of the most important and joyful fixtures on the town’s calendar.
“Her work goes far beyond event planning. Aimee is a community connector, advocate, and role model. She has given countless hours often voluntarily to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels welcomed and represented. Her efforts have helped raise awareness, foster understanding, and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
“All these years of dedication is a remarkable achievement, and Aimee’s positive impact can be seen in the pride, unity, and love that radiates from the event she has helped build and sustain.
“She truly embodies the spirit of a Community Hero.”
Aimee added: “It was a lovely surprise to be nominated. You don’t do things for the recognition but I am very grateful to Macauley for taking the time to nominate me.”
