HULL city centre is partying to the beat of freedom late into the evening tonight.
Thousands of people from around the region filled the streets to celebrate the abolishment of slavery as Freedom Festival 2014 kicked off in style.
A variety of entertainment, for young and old, was spread across the city's Old Town.
The Long Walk to Freedom Light Trail, which wound its way through the city's cobbled streets, featured work by nine local artists in tribute to Nelson Mandela, the inspiration behind this year's festival.
Bands played live music in Wellington Street as people danced the night away.
Sasha Bennett, 33, of east Hull, said: "I have been before and the festival is the best event this city has.
"If we had more events like this, Hull would be better known across the country.
"The atmosphere is brilliant and there is so much for everyone to do.
"There is historic meaning behind it too, which makes it extra special. Not many events necessarily have that meaning."
The festival was first launched in 2007 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.
Seven years on and Hull continues to lead the way in celebrating one of the most important moments in our history.
About 100,000 people are expected to visit the festival by the end of the three-day long event on Sunday evening – making it the city's biggest annual showcase.
Paul Keenan, of Hull, said: "The atmosphere is brilliant.
"We have been once before and there is something a little different about this event.
"Everyone is having great fun, including me and my wife, Wendy."
The light trail was officially opened with a Fire Garden installation sparked by the Freedom Flame – the Dutch liberation flame that symbolises the end of German occupation there in the Second World War.
The huge crowds were then led through the streets of the Old Town to Hull Marina by performers from Spark! – a street theatre show combining high impact drumming, lighting and dynamic choreography.
In the High Street, people were treated to a kaleidoscopic performance by hula-hoop twirling Australian artistes Flame Oz.
A fun fair was also open close to Hull Marina.
Keeley Brighty, nine, of North Hull, said: "I am here with my family and this is our first year.
"Everyone is just having a really fun time.
"There is so much for people to do. My favourite bit was looking at the art on the walls and listening to the live music.
"I would like to come back next year."
The city's most famous son, Hull MP William Wilberforce, campaigned tirelessly against the slave trade 200 years ago and played a pivotal role in its abolishment.
Anita Pearce, 51, said: "It is the meaning of the festival that makes it so special.
"William Wilberforce helped abolish slavery – that is the true meaning of the event.
"That is why so many people turn out. Obviously, many are here to just have a good time, but there are many who also come out to celebrate Wilberforce and what he did."
In the Freedom Festival Big Top, there was comedy theatre with The Ballad of the Burning Star and stand-up comedy from Sam Harland and Alfie Moore.
