Families have spoken of their delight at visiting this weekend's Freedom Festival in Hull - despite the adverse weather conditions.Freedom Festival organisers were looking forward to another bumper crowd today (Saturday) after revealing 22,000 people attended the opening night on Friday – double last year's figure.
A packed schedule of events today kicked off with a colourful family circus in Queens Gardens and the flying trolley dancers of C-12 Dance Theatre, who performed their spectacular street show in Queen Victoria Square.
Stuart Powley spent the day at the festival with his wife Addie and two sons Warren, 11, and Harrison, 9.
Mr Powley, from Hull, said: "The weather hasn't been brilliant but the festival continues to be a success.
"We have been before and we love it. There is just so much for everyone to come and see and do."
Wife Addie said: "We have enjoyed walking round and taking it all in.
"The music is good and the atmosphere is always excellent."
Highlights this evening include Roland Gift on the Yellow Bus stage at the Pier (7.30pm) and the epic Spellbound at Humber Quays (9pm).Visit our one-stop guide to the top highlights.
Husband and wife Deborah and David Whittle spoke to the Mail after spending a number of hours at the annual showcase.
Mr Whittle, from North Hull, said: "Unfortunately I cannot enjoy it as much as I would like because I have to work tonight.
"But undoubtedly the festival is very, very good indeed. We have been watching various acts dancing and it is hard to choose a best bit because everything works so well."
Abigail Wells, 8, from west Hull, said: "I am here with my mum and dad and it is great fun.
"There is so much to do. My favourite bit was the circus in Queens Gardens."
Meanwhile, dozens of visitors have enjoyed knocking out a tune for Freedom on a number of pianos scattered around Hull city centre.
The pianos have been set up by festival organisers in a bid to get more people interested in playing music.
Alan Kilvington, who owns music shop Gough and Davy, Paragon Street, ventured out into Queen Victoria Square to strut his stuff for the Mail.
He said: "I think they are a great idea. The more people who get interested in music and learn the values of music, the better.
"We have seen many people playing them with a smile on their faces."
