NEXT year's Freedom Festival will be a celebration of Nelson Mandela, his life and his achievements.
Graham Chesters, chairman of the festival's board, said the organisers will work throughout the year to put together a fitting tribute.
He said: "We have time to do something that will do justice to his stature."
It is a feeling shared by many in Hull.
The Lord Mayor, Nadine Fudge, said: "He was a great and inspirational leader whose dedication to his cause liberated and then healed a nation."
Hull has a long-time connection with Mr Mandela, something Stephen Brady, leader of the city council, wants to ensure is maintained.
He said: "Nelson Mandela will be remembered as one of the truly great statesmen of the 20th century. His legacy is clear around the world and – reflecting the foresight of the city in honouring him in life – we now honour him in death."
Mr Mandela touched the lives of many people, including one engineer from Beverley, who met him South Africa 20 years ago, months before the anti-apartheid revolutionary became the nation's first black president.
Rob McAdam, 68, had been working on a charity water project in South Africa when Mr Mandela visited the area.
He said: "People were ecstatic to see him. It was a bit like seeing people around a famous pop star or footballer.
"They looked to him as their saviour. They had gone through an horrendous time."
The retired engineer said Mr Mandela shook everyone's hand.
"He was very much among the people, he walked among us," he said.
