We are, apparently, the UK’s City of Freedom. A made-up term if ever I heard one, but the sentiment is there.

It all links, of course, to Hull’s most famous son – William Wilberforce – and we’re celebrating the 250^th anniversary of his birth this year as part of the Freedom Festival.

In case you missed last year’s, the festival is planned for 11^th – 13^th September 2009 and we’re being promised that the city will be awash with activity and entertainment throughout the weekend; a Jazz Festival in the Marina, The Proms in Queen Victoria Square and live bands performing in Queen’s Gardens.

This year’s Freedom Festival will also incorporate the start of the Clipper 2009-10 Round the World Yacht Race, so we really are celebrating and pushing the boat out.

 All in all, looks like a good weekend is brewing. You can keep an eye out on the latest news for announcements of times, performers and venues here