Building on Wilberforce legacy

An independent report has revealed how Hull's Wilberforce 2007 programme was an outstanding success - not only boosting the city's image but also increasing civic pride and raising awareness about modern day slavery.
The year-long programme was held to mark 200 years since the abolition of the British slave trade following years of campaigning by Hull MP William Wilberforce.
Key events including the two-day Wilberforce Weekender and The Wilberforce Lecture Series attracted prominent religious leaders, politicians and artists to the city. It's now hoped Hull could build on the programme by developing into an established centre for the debate of human rights and freedom across the world.
"Wilberforce 2007 has helped Hull prove it can be a hub for major events and has the potential to grow some form of legacy in future years," says Cllr John Robinson, chair of the Wilberforce 2007 Committee.
"The commemorations did a lot for the civic pride, self belief and external perceptions of the city as a great tourist destination and a city with a proud history."
Meanwhile the report, produced by Glasgow Caledonian University, also found:

• there was an estimated additional spending of more than £1 million from visitors to the city alone
• a total of 144,500 people attended and participated in events and activities throughout the year
• more than 300 community groups across the city were consulted or engaged in delivering the programme

UK-wide research by IPSOS MORI found that awareness of Wilberforce as an abolitionist grew from 32 per cent in 2006 to 45 per cent in 2007, and that awareness of modern slavery increased to 75 per cent.
"We can conclude that the Wilberforce year has been a great success, and we would like to thank all the partners and individuals for their hard work and dedication," added Cllr Robinson.
"But we must not give up the fight as there could be as many as 27 million people across the world still living in slave conditions."
www.wilberforce2007.com
See pages 18 and 19 for more on the Wilberforce year.