By Ray Duffill
The Hedon Festival took place on Friday, June 3, as the flagship event of the town’s Jubilee Celebrations.
The carnival parade preceded the music and entertainment and attracted hundreds of participants and spectators across its 45-minute route with the majority of those taking part in fancy dress.
The Hedfest parade was led by Sergeant of the Mace Dave Young, who had stepped out of retirement to play the important role. He walked in front of the Hedon mayor’s vehicle which, on this occasion, was a motor trike, giving rise to Councillor David Thompson adopting the temporary identity of “Biker Mayor” for the day.
The parade ended and dispersed on to the Far Bank open-air stage just in time for the crowds to enjoy the Hedon inter-pubs Tug of War Competition, which saw the King’s Head team win the bragging rights.
The Far Bank stage saw a full afternoon and evening programme of entertainment headlined by Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran tribute band From Gold to Rio. Joint frontman Lee James is set to appear with the real Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley on the BBC’s The One Show soon. In addition to Far Bank, there were also Hedfest stages at St Augustine’s Church and the Haven Arms.
The previous night, the celebrations got under way as Market Hill was packed full of spectators for the lighting of the beacon. The event was preceded by bagpipes played by Charlie Sanders and bugles by members of the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force.
On the Saturday, the town’s Jubilee concert was played to full pews at St Augustine’s. The mix of poignant readings and entertainment was lapped up by the audience who showed their appreciation afterwards by contributing to the church’s appeal fund. The entertainment included the City of Hull Pipe Band, Humber Harmony barbershop chorus, and the Larks, who played a medley of 1950s hits.
On Sunday, a civic parade was led by the band and cadets of the Humber and South Yorkshire ACF.
