‘Our great city shining at its best’: More than 100,000 people attend The Awakening

Pictures by Tom Arran Commercial Photography

By Simon Bristow

Hull’s first major event of the year has been hailed a “fantastic” success after more than 100,000 people came into the city centre last weekend to see and experience The Awakening.

Thousands filled the streets and formed huge queues to get into Queens Gardens, while indoor venues were also packed, from Ferens Art Gallery to Hull Minster and Trinity Market.

The two-night arts festival, delivered by Freedom Festival Arts Trust, was staged for only the second time on Friday and Saturday following a successful pilot event last year.

The Awakening, which celebrates the changing of the seasons from winter to spring, and Hull’s maritime heritage, folklore, and relationship with nature, saw stunning light installations, performances, interactive robots, and music, creating a “truly magical family friendly atmosphere” from a line-up of specially commissioned artists from across the world, including Hull.

Thousands of people explored the history-rich streets of the city centre from Queens Gardens, down Whitefriargate, across Trinity Square into Trinity Minster, and up to Zebedee’s Yard uncovering the creative programme.

More than 3,500 people visited the Ferens each evening, which stayed open late to allow people a look around its galleries and a chance to see the RE:SCORE films project, plus a special live performance by by Hull musicians Broken Orchestra and friends.

Queens Gardens was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, focusing on the natural world at night. Thousands enjoyed an illuminated walk, wrapped in a beautiful soundscape by film composer Roma Yagnik. This was the last major event to take place in Queens Gardens before work gets underway to improve the much-loved green space.

More than 23,000 Freedom Fox mask packs were distributed to every primary school pupil in the city, with 5,000 masks given out elsewhere.

Mikey Martins, artistic director, and CEO of Freedom Festival Arts Trust said: “All the team are delighted that The Awakening was such a success in year two, we are so excited to develop this event further over the coming years. In these challenging times for all, it really was incredible to see the joy on the faces of so many families and people of all ages enjoying all the artworks, performances, and installations.

“The atmosphere was so joyful and friendly and welcoming for all, we can see from social media and from evaluation that many people had come to one of our events for the first time, and what a great impression for them to take home with them of our great city shining at its best even in the difficult times for so many.

“Big thanks to all the funders and partners for their support and investment, without them these kinds of events are just not possible. We hope they will continue to work hard to invest in this partnership and in this unique and wonderful event for its future sustainability.”

"To be able to deliver such high quality and accessible free annual events for the city is increasingly challenging, we’re hugely grateful to have a local council who understand the community need of our events, the clear and heart-warming social impact we see and the economic benefit it brings to the local businesses, long may it continue.”

Councillor Rob Pritchard, Hull City Council portfolio holder for communities, crime prevention and culture, said: “What a fantastic start to the year and the city’s events programme.

“It was a special weekend, and it was great to see so many people, despite the wet weather, of all ages turn up to enjoy this major event for the city.

“The Awakening was fantastic, bringing to life world-class installations and live performances with illumination, innovative costume, robotic installations, a stunning light garden and live music. This new festival is a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing organisations together to create something special for residents and visitors alike.”

There was also a special ‘Awakening’ edition of Trinity Live in Trinity Market, with live music entertaining a packed and vibrant market. Many traders stayed open offering food and refreshments. 

Will Chalk of Falafia in Trinity Market, said: “Friday was good and Saturday was really busy. I think we took a week’s worth of revenue over those two days.”

Other businesses in the city centre also remained open into the night on both evenings.

Richard Clark of Advocate Group, which operates the Dram Shop, Humber Dock Bar & Grill and Bar Babylon, said: “The Awakening was another great event for Hull city centre and brings mass footfall to the city itself and businesses within. The increased crowds always positively affect our venues in terms of awareness and food and drink sales – something sorely needed in the current climate.”

Julie Barfield of The Friary fish and chip shop in Whitefriargate, said: “We normally close at 6pm but we stayed open until 10pm and it was well worth it. Friday was nice and steady and Saturday was absolutely crazy. We’ve found the same with previous events in the city centre and we’d love to see more of them!”

With support from the Shared Prosperity Fund, HM Government Levelling Up Fund, Hull Maritime and the Heritage Action Zone which is funded by Historic England, Freedom Festival Arts Trust were commissioned by Hull City Council to bring this event back to Hull city centre again in 2023.

  • The summer Freedom Festival will take place between August 30 and September 3

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