We’re excited to announce that Aaron Casserly Stewart is the new Chair of Happy Valley Pride.
Aaron is a senior music industry executive, artist and cultural leader with more than 30 years’ experience working across the international creative industries. He is passionate about celebrating diversity, creating inclusive spaces and ensuring that Pride remains rooted in community. As Chair of Happy Valley Pride Aaron brings a wealth of experience, energy and international perspective to the role, alongside a strong belief in the power of culture and arts to bring people together, challenge barriers and create positive change.
Aaron currently works as Programme & Events Director at The Piece Hall in Halifax, where he brings his experience in music, culture, live events and community engagement.
A jazz vocalist and former singer with the three-time Grammy Award-winning group The Sounds of Blackness, Aaron has enjoyed a career spanning music, artist management, live events, cultural leadership and community development. He was formerly Personal Assistant to Morris Hayes, Prince’s music director, keyboardist and band leader of The New Power Generation.
A recipient of a 2012 NAACP Image Award, Aaron has held leadership and governance roles across the cultural and charitable sectors. He is Chair of Jazz North, Trustee of the Gilbert Baker Foundation and a former Vice-Chair of Leeds Conservatoire.
Aaron's commitment to culture and community extends beyond the UK. He served as a City Commissioner and Mayor of Parsons, Kansas, contributes to a range of national and international initiatives as a 2026 SXSW London Juror, PRS Foundation Advisor and Launchpad Advisor, as well as an Ambassador for Yorkshire Cancer Research.
For the past 12 years, Aaron has also worked as Business Manager for Erik “Blu2th” Griggs, the LA-based producer associated with Dr Dre’s Aftermath Records, maintaining strong connections across the global music industry.
Aaron is proud to be part of Happy Valley Pride and looks forward to working with the organisation, its volunteers, partners and communities to build on its work and celebrate the people, creativity and diversity of the Calder Valley.