THE town is gearing up to welcome back its annual Barnsley Pride event on Sunday.
Organisers from the Barnsley Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum are dedicating the event to Steven Simpson, a gay teenager from Cudworth who died last year after being set alight at his 18th birthday party.
His mum, Bernadette, gave organisers permission for this year's event to be in her son's memory and will be attending on Sunday.
Peel Street will be closed and a full street party will take place with an outdoor stage and bar area from 10am. There will be live entertainment and stalls through to 5pm, with Cllr Ken Richardson, the town's mayor, opening the event.
Along with Kevan Riggett, Kay Tinkler, 33, of Hoyland Common, is co-chair of the Barnsley LGBT Forum.
"It's in its sixth year now and with around 2,500 people attending last year's event, we are expecting another good crowd," she said.
"The event is free to all. There will be an abundance of market and food stalls as well as children's entertainment.
"Che Bar and Coco have helped a lot as they're the main sponsors and organisers of the entertainment throughout the day. Che Bar's after party also has Lucy Spraggan from this year's X Factor.
"This year we are aiming to cater for all so hopefully it will be the biggest, best and most inclusive gay pride event to celebrate our wonderful community and create inclusion for all in Barnsley."
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