Skip to content

Free family event returning for town to feast on

Eleanor MaslinEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
BBC A view of the high street in Hessle. Rainbow bunting can be seen around the sign post directing to the town hall and other locations, as well as crisscrossing the street above the shops. BBC
Hessle Feast will return to the East Yorkshire town this weekend

A free community event that was first held 200 years ago is returning this weekend.

The annual Hessle Feast will take place in Hessle Square, East Yorkshire, on Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00 BST.

The event, dedicated to Christine Prattley who died last year and was the chairwoman of Hessle Community Organisation, will include food, drink and craft stalls, along with other activities.

Organisers Christine Brant and Paul Warren, who have kept the tradition alive for the past 10 years, said: "It's all about the community coming together, we can't wait to see Hessle full of smiles again this Sunday."

What is Hessle Feast?

The Hessle Feast first started in the early 19th Century and was a major event by 1836, revived in the early 2000s with a small team of volunteers after anti-social behaviour led to a long absence.

Brant said: "We all have full-time jobs and families, so organising Hessle Feast is something we do in our spare time because we're passionate about keeping this fantastic community event alive."

Christine Brant Christine Brant and Paul Warren smiling at the camera, each holding a pint of beer. Christine has shoulder length, blonde hair and is wearing a black zip-up. Paul Warren has short, brown hair and brown stubble. He is wearing a blue T-shirt.Christine Brant
Christine Brant and Paul Warren have played a key part in keeping the tradition alive

There will be more than 70 stalls, including independent traders, local businesses and charities, as well as fairground rides, children's entertainment and live music.

"It's one of those rare occasions where the whole town comes alive," Brant said.

"The event also provides a real boost to the town centre.

"Seeing the community come together and watching the town buzzing with people is what makes all the hard work worthwhile."

What activities will be at the event?

  • Live music on the Open VoIP Stage
  • More than 60 stalls with crafts, gifts and treats
  • Fairground rides for all ages
  • Oakwood Dog Rescue Dog Show
  • Raffles and community stalls
  • Breakfast served until 12:00 BST
  • Outdoor bar open all day
  • Free bouncy castle for children
  • Large outdoor stage from 12:00 to 20:00 BST
  • Face painting and glitter artist
  • Penalty shootout
Christine Brant A hook-a-duck stand in a park. It has toys and balloons on display. People are gathering in the distance.Christine Brant
The event will take place in Hessle Square, East Yorkshire

What roads will be closed?

Temporary road closures will be in place in Hessle from 06:00 to 19:00 BST to allow the event to take place safely.

The following roads will be closed to vehicles during these times:

• Hessle Square

• Southgate

• Swinegate

• The Weir

• Prestongate

• Salisbury Street

• Tower Hill

• Northgate

Residents within the road closure area can contact the organisers directly if they require access up to 11:00.

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

More on this story
Related internet links