NEWS

City of freedom

Punjabi dancers in Queen's Gardens

The countdown has already started - to commemorate one of the most important days in Hull's history.
On March 25th 2007, national and international attention will be fixed on William Wilberforce, Hull's most famous son, and the bicentenary of his work that changed the lives of millions.
Exactly 200 years earlier, Parliament passed his Abolition of Slavery Bill in what was the first major triumph in international human rights.
A number of special events will be held in the city over the coming months as the commemoration draws near.
And you can mark its approach on the Big Screen, in Queen Victoria Square, where a daily countdown will be shown.
Meanwhile, these were the scenes on September 6th in Queen's Gardens - the moment the clock started ticking for the 200-day countdown towards the 200-year celebrations.

Off with a bang: The countdown started outside Hull College

The Wilberforce Monument was illuminated, and a huge firework display brought a riot of colour and noise to skies above the city centre.
Entertainment was provided on a specially-constructed stage in Queen's Gardens that hosted dancers from the Punjab and gospel singers.
Stilt walkers, mime artists, African drummers, and an open-air string quartet were also laid on.
The event highlighted the need to continue Wilberforce's work. It is believed 27 million people across the world live in some form of slavery, such as sex trafficking and forced child labour.
Hull City Council Leader Cllr Carl Minns said: "This is going to be an amazing year for everyone. Wilberforce 2007 is not only about Hull's history and its role in the abolition of the slave trade, but will draw attention to contemporary slavery issues. It is right that the focus of the anniversary should be on Hull, the birthplace and home of Wilberforce."

See page 35 to find out how international opera singer Sir Willard White will perform to Richard Wilberforce, a direct decendant of William Wilberforce, at Hull City Hall this month.

Best-selling author inspired by Wilberforce Richard Adams, whose book Watership Down sold millions of copies, has written a new novel inspired by William Wilberforce. Daniel, published in Hull by Wrecking Ball Press, tells the story of a slave boy, born on an American plantation, who journeys to England and finds his freedom. Speaking during a promotional visit to Hull, Mr Adams (86) said: "I've been an admirer of Wilberforce for many years. His achievements fired my imagination for writing Daniel. The novel took me 18 months to research and write." Mitch Upfold, Hull City Council's lead officer for the Wilberforce 2007 commemorations, has a mention in the book's acknowledgement page for assisting Mr Adams' research into the slave trade. Loan copies of Daniel will be available from Hull libraries.