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Humber Street Sesh more than 'one day of music'

David McKennaEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageBen Lester Black and white shot of Hull artist Jodie Langford on stage with crowds of people in front. The performer is holding a microphone in an outstretched arm under an array of stage lighting.Ben Lester
Humber Street Sesh features more than 100 acts spread across 10 stages

Thousands of music fans are expected to attend Hull's biggest one-day festival on Saturday.

Humber Street Sesh features more than 100 acts, spread across 10 stages at Hull Marina, including international artists.

This year's headline act has been announced as singer-songwriter Fiona-Lee, with other performers including Walt Disco, The Kairos, Flat Moon, Gravy and The Family Battenberg.

Since it started in 2012, Humber Street Sesh has grown to become Hull's biggest music festival showcasing the talents of grassroots and local musicians.

Founding director Mark Page said the festival was "far more than one day of live music".

"It is an important part of the region's grassroots music ecosystem, giving emerging artists a meaningful platform while creating work for hundreds of local people and bringing thousands of visitors into Hull.

"It celebrates the creativity, independence and community spirit of the city, while generating genuine social and economic value across Hull and East Yorkshire," he said.

According to organisers, more than 500 local people are employed to deliver the festival on the day, with previous independent reports valuing its wider social impact at about £1m.

News imageMGMT Press Shot Publicity shot of headline act Fiona-Lee. She is sitting on the floor in a dimly lit room surrounded by old fashioned furniture, including a tall lamp with a frilly shade. She has long wavy hair and is wearing a black top and jeans.MGMT Press Shot
Fiona-Lee, who has been featured on BBC Radio 1's Future Artists show, is headlining this year's festival

Earlier this year, organisers said the festival "narrowly avoided closure due to financial pressures".

It now operates as a Community Interest Company (CIC), meaning all money from funding, donations and sponsorship is reinvested back into the local community and grassroots music initiatives.

Page said: "Our hope is that the CIC structure will allow the festival to remain rooted in the community, while supporting Hull's ambition to become a UNESCO City of Music."

The event also features a silent disco, hip-hop karaoke, street food, art and dance.

Previous performers, such as punk band Life and rapper Chiedu Oraka, have used the event as a springboard and have gone on to gain national radio coverage and perform at international festivals.

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