It started with a thunderous drum roll and ended with a splash of colour as Hull revelled in its Freedom. From the moment the neon soldiers of Spark! bashed out their hypnotic rhythms, leading thousands of festival-goers like pied pipers through Old Town's cobbled streets, to the World Of Colour parade on Sunday afternoon that brought the festivities to a close with a feel-good summer glow, this year's Freedom Festival has again been judged a huge success by organisers and punters alike.
More than 22,000 people descended on the festival on Friday's opening night, doubling's last year's total, and cementing Hull's claim to be a real city of culture– and the host of the arguably the best free festival in the country.
Even the downpour on Saturday, as persistent rain sent good-time seekers diving for cover in the myriad of transformed warehouses and stages, couldn't dampen the spirits.
Graham Chesters, chairman of the Freedom Festival board, said: "I'm very, very happy with how it's gone, I think Hull has risen to the occasion again. We've had some amazing acts and spectacles and the feedback we've been getting has been really positive. To bring 22,000 people into Hull for the Friday night is mind-blowing.
"The sheer range of attractions we've had on offer has meant there has been something for everyone to enjoy, and we've had a real cross- section of people coming to Humber Street – from family with children, to teenagers and people coming down to listen to the music.
"I was really impressed by the light trail and the fire garden, which were truly spectacular. It was always going to be a tough job to compete with last year's torch-lit parade but I think those managed it in their own individual way."
This year, the festival spread its bounty across distinct areas, with Queens Gardens providing acrobatic skills from the NoFit State Circus, while Victoria Square was home to the flying supermarket trollies of the C-12 Dance Theatre.
As one elderly lady said while watching the trolley ballet: "I've no idea how you'd describe it, but it looks pretty good. I've no idea how they come up with the ideas for these things."
Humber Street remained the festival's beating Bohemian heart but Old Town shone as dusk descended; the nooks, crannies, doorsteps and alleyways illuminated by specially commissioned light installations, huge glowing orbs and dangling matchstick men projected on to the side of pubs.
In the shadow of Myton Bridge an explosive fire garden bellowed huge explosions of flame into the night sky.
Even the old bugbear of people having to perilously navigate Castle Street and its narrow pedestrian islands seemed to have been tamed for the event as organisers found a way to let huge swathes of people cross without getting marooned in the middle.
Speaking at a reception to thank sponsors and organisers at The Deep on Saturday, Pete Massey, senior manager of Arts Council England in Yorkshire, said: "I think attitudes are changing towards Hull and a lot of that is down to the Freedom Festival.
"We can't underestimate the importance of the Freedom Festival to Hull, without it there would be no UK City of Culture in 2017."
For many, though, the enduring image of the weekend was the dazzling first sight of the Spark! drumming marionettes.
"It's been absolutely fantastic," said Jo Linfield, 32, of west Hull, who had brought her children into the city.
"The hair was just standing up on the back of our necks when the drummers passed under the bridge. The sound was just incredible. I'd say it's the best Freedom yet."
THEY came in their droves and from far and wide.
Hull's increasingly popular Freedom Festival has come a long way since it was first launched in 2007.
From the World's Smallest Theatre to live music and paint fights to special storytelling for the children – this year's event had the lot.
But one feature that sets it apart from the rest is its terrific atmosphere.
People from all walks of life and all parts of the country visited in their tens of thousands to Hull.
Unlike many other events across the world, Freedom Festival has a real meaning to it.
It was launched 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.
The city's most famous son, Hull MP William Wilberforce, campaigned tirelessly against the slave trade and played a pivotal role in its abolishment.
One visitor from London's East End told the Mail: "It is the best event I have ever been to. Everyone is so happy and people come together as one. See you next year."
And there the event is summed up quite perfectly.
• Record 115,000 at Freedom Festival 2014
• Entertainment news from the Hull Daily Mail
