Event breeds confidence in city, director says

A festival director said Hull's biggest one-day festival had created "confidence and a sense of wellbeing in the city".

More than 100 acts took to 10 stages across Hull Marina on Saturday for Humber Street Sesh, the city's biggest one-day festival.

The event was headlined by singer-songwriter Fiona-Lee, with other performers including Walt Disco, The Kairos, Flat Moon, Gravy and The Family Battenberg.

Mark Page, the festival's director, said the event was in its 40th year and added: "It brings the community together but more importantly it provides those all-important platforms for emerging grass-root artists."

Speaking at the festival, Page said emerging artists had experienced "a tough time over recent years with venues closing".

"It's really important that Hull gets on board and supports what we're doing.

"It breeds confidence and creates a sense of wellbeing in the city."

At 16:00 BST, the festival paid tribute to Paul Jackson from The New Adelphi Club with all music stopping so the crowd could applaud him.

Jackson was a leading figure in Hull's music scene and died in March following a short illness.

Earlier this year, organisers said the festival "narrowly avoided closure due to financial pressures".

It now operates as a Community Interest Company (CIC), meaning all money from funding, donations and sponsorship is reinvested back into the local community and grassroots music initiatives.

Page said the event was "untenable" last year, as the organisers "couldn't meet all the costs".

Rachel Gilroy, 46, from Hull, was at the festival to support her son, who was performing on The Residents Association Block Party Stage as DJ Renzo Music.

She said: "It's wonderful for local people and children and it's a great atmosphere. We're really excited."

She added: "There's loads going on. I can't believe how many stages there are."

Meg Scarlett, 27, was at the festival to see her boyfriend perform on one of the stages with his band, Sundown Silver.

"I think it brings a lot of Hull's music scene together," Scarlett said.

Her friend, Sophie Clarke, 31, said: "It's nice to see a huge amount of diversity in different acts and nice to see that it's local."

Zac Girdlestone, 41, from Hull, said he loves Sesh and attends every year.

"It's always a fun day," he said.

"I always enjoy finding something new," he said.

Stephen Rawlings, from Beverley, said: "It's the first time I've been.

"It's a good turnout and I imagine as the day goes on it will get busier and busier."

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices