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Thanks to those involved in creating #Hedfest18
The Hedon Mayor, Councillor Steve Gallant, has offered his thanks to all those involved in making the Hedon Festival 2018 happen. The day may have been challenged by the unexpected success of the England team in the World Cup and the ensuing upsurge of interest in football – but that only partially diminished the day. In fact the feel-good factor created by the football result (England 2 – 0 Sweden) probably added to the atmosphere around the town.
“HedFest was a great success again this year with something for all ages. We did have a bit of lull while England saw off Sweden, but then the evening sparked up and bands were playing up to midnight at some venues. I managed to catch quite a few bands.
“The Parade was much bigger and better than the last time, with local schools and youth groups joining in with all the guest costumed performers. With 30 degree heat, I can tell you it was a bit warm leading the parade in full Mayoral attire, but it was great to see so many families out on the streets of the old town to watch and give Hedon a real carnival atmosphere!
“A huge thank you to the HedFest Working Group who spent many months planning the day, working long hours at the weekend to make it all come together, and to all those who came together on the day to make it happen.” – Councillor Steve Gallant, 672nd Mayor of Hedon.
Hedfest Chair, David Thompson (the man in the ‘King’ costume on the Parade) was a victim of the cancellation of the poetry event where he was due to perform, but is still upbeat about the whole day:
“We had an enjoyable and memorable day, made more so by England`s win over Sweden. Of course, the match affected Hedfest, the Performance Poetry had to be cancelled, and one pub had to pull out of Hedfest altogether.
“That said, Hedon still had a wonderful day, the Carnival Parade was a real spectacle with its variety, colours and characters, and the quality of the artists at the pubs, St Augustine`s and Alexandra Hall was superb. A first class family day with the activities and events on the school field and Market Hill. As Chairman of the Working Group, my thanks go to all who worked so hard to make Hedfest 18 such a success.
“It is hoped the Performance Poetry/Music can be re-arranged for a future date, and that this might become established as a regular open mic event in Hedon.” – David Thompson, Chair, Hedfest Working Group.
Parade Organiser for the Hedfest Working Group Councillor Sarah Rommell, said: “The whole event worked well despite the football. The parade was wonderful and I was happy when it all came together. It was a difficult thing to pull off but we did it and I hope the residents of Hedon and our visitors had a fantastic day. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our costumed characters, who were magnificent despite the heat. Thanks also to the local Sainsbury store who provided fruit and water and staff to hand it all out on the parade free of charge.”
Cllr Sarah Rommell and Kathryn Adams of Princess Parties
There are lots of ‘thank yous’ to be given by the Hedfest Working Group to all those that worked behind the scenes to make #Hedfest18 happen, and we are going to list those in the next few days – but first and foremost thank you to those who came to see, watch and join in with the festival fun. We had visitors from across the country and residents turned out in their droves. Thank you for supporting the Hedon Festival in 2018.
PS: In just two days we have had nearly 10,000 views of our Picture Gallery from the day. Add your photos as a record of Hedon’s busiest day of the year!
#Hedfest18 – Come to Hedon on Sat 7 July!
HEDON FESTIVAL
SATURDAY 7 JULY – 12 noon to 12 midnight!
Watching The King’s Horses who will be performing at the Haven Arms.
PROGRAMME SOON AVAILABLE (£2) – With all the information you need to enjoy the Festival.
It’s back! After a break for a year, the Hedon Festival with music and entertainment for all, is back for its third event on Saturday, July 7. #Hedfest18 will differ from previous festivals in that it will be a free event with the Hedon Town Council, pub venues and others working together to put on a programme of acts, bands, comedy, and performance poetry. Seven official venues will be involved with Hedfest; the Alexandra Hall, St. Augustine’s Church, The Station, King’s Head, Shakespeare Inn, Queen’s Head and the Haven Arms – each bringing something different to the mix with most styles and genre of music represented. During the course of the next few weeks we will bring you news from each of the festival official venues.
An impressive line-up of over 40 bands includes a mix of local and regional talent such as Bud Sugar, Cuba Drive, Urban Rain, Black Kes, The Wounded Healers, The Froot, Holy Orders, The Corsairs, Habitual Twist, Shout and Jaimie Smithson. Great performance poets will be attending too with Mike Watts, Lucy Clark and Ian Winter amongst others bringing a barrage of mirth, humour and wit to the proceedings.
Carnival Parade:
A few of the characters who will be joining the Carnival Parade (assembles from 12.30pm on Ivy Lane, Market Hill, Hedon).
A key feature once again will be the town Carnival Parade, which, with involvement from local communities – and this year, with the added attraction of fairy tale, super heroes and other costumed characters taking part – will bring festival colours, sounds and just a touch of Rio de Janeiro style atmosphere to the streets of Hedon. Hedon Methodist Church will be holding a workshop in the morning so you can make your costumes, hats or props for the parade and will be holding other events and activities during the day.
Children’s Activities on from mid-morning to 5pm will include Go Karts (for 3 – 13 year olds), fairground rides, a chance to try-out with the Humber Warhawks American Football team, guest appearances from characters from fairy tales, super heroes and science fiction. Lots more too – read the Programme and follow this website.
After its gap year, #Hedfest18 intends to put the town back firmly on the local festival map to excite both residents and visitors.
Councillor Steve Gallant, 672nd Mayor of Hedon, said: “Hedon Town Council took a big risk when we held the first HedFest in 2015. But the people of Hedon came out in their thousands to enjoy the parade and entertainment across all the different venues. The HedFests in 2015 and 2016 were the biggest community events in the town for many years. Last year we took a year off (to give Hull’s City of Culture a chance!) but this year we are back and planning a fantastic one day festival with something for everyone. And if your community group want to be involved get in touch at the Town Hall. Make sure you put July 7th in your diary and get a programme to plan your day”
The Chair of the Hedfest18 organising group, David Thompson, said: “As things often do, Hedfest all started with a conversation in a pub. We thought how good it would be for the town to stage a really big event, one that will get the town buzzing. This, we have done in 2015 and 2016 with spectacular success, and with thousands attending. This has really put Hedon on the events map, has been great for the Town, its economy and community. After the first Hedfest, I said ‘brilliant, brilliant , brilliant!’. This year, it`s great to see Hedfest18 going ahead, and it promises to be brilliant again.”
This is a definite date to note in your diary: #Hedfest18 – takes place Saturday 7 July from 12 noon until 12 midnight and is a free event to enjoy.
HedFest UK - The Hedon Festival 