‘LIVING BEINGS’: Trees in Dalby Forest this summer
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Hull’s first tree festival will take place in Humber Street on Saturday.
TreeFest is a free event celebrating trees, nature, art and community and is being held from 11am to 7pm at the Pier Street Pop-Up Space in Humber Street.
Organised by Hull and East Riding Friends of the Earth (HERFOE), TreeFest brings together local environmental organisations, artists, storytellers and nature enthusiasts for a day of family-friendly activities, entertainment and discovery.
It is part of HERFOE’s Tree Stories project, which aims to reconnect people with the trees around them and inspire communities to value, protect and care for them.
Visitors can enjoy crafts, games and competitions, storytelling, music, poetry and art. There will also be opportunities to learn about local wildlife, discover the fascinating history of trees and pick up practical advice on caring for them.
A highlight of the festival will be the unveiling of a new series of folk paintings by Tree Stories Artist-in-Residence Lauren Saunders, alongside a specially commissioned, limited-edition publication.
Visitors will also be invited to share their own memories, experiences and stories about trees, contributing to the project's growing Digital Forest – an online collection celebrating the connections between people, places and trees.
Lauren said: “I think we sometimes forget just how much trees are part of our lives. They’re living beings we share our world with, full of stories, connections and inspiration, if we take the time to notice them.
“They’re woven into our memories, our everyday experiences and the places we call home. They also support so many other lives, providing food and shelter for wildlife. They’re amazing!
“TreeFest is about exploring that relationship through shared creativity, curiosity and celebration. As part of the Tree Stories project, we want to encourage people to slow down, look a little closer and think about the trees living alongside us.
“We’d love people to come along to TreeFest, get involved and see where their curiosity takes them. Everyone has a different relationship with trees, and we’re excited to discover the stories, ideas and creativity that grow when we bring them together in this community celebration of all things tree.”
TreeFest will bring together organisations working to protect and celebrate the natural environment, including the Woodland Trust, RSPB, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Pickering Road Community Orchard, Hull Food Partnership and Hull Butterfly City.
East Riding Archives and Local Studies will explore the stories of trees from the past, while other groups, including Community Climate Stewards and the Stop Burning Trees Coalition, will highlight the importance of trees in tackling climate change and protecting communities.
The festival will run in three parts:
11am–3pm: Community stalls, family-friendly activities, crafts, games and opportunities to meet local organisations.
3pm–5pm: A quieter period for visitors who prefer a more relaxed environment.
5pm–7pm: Open mic, music, poetry, storytelling and performances.