Monday 9^th February 2009 was a landmark date for thisisUll.com and all its contributors.  On your behalf, I had the honour of accepting the Fringe Report 2009 award for Best Publication.

Fringe Report, under the guidance and leadership of its editor John Park is based in London It reviews and supports fringe theatre, arts, independent and arthouse film, dance, performance, poetry, music and anything else that is alternative, undiscovered or not part of the mainstream.

I first came across Fringe Report while helping to promote Joe Hakim and Mike Watts’ show, Poetry is Dead which they performed at the Camden Fringe Festival in August last year.

I emailed John with details of the show and he got back to me, having checked out thisisUll.com, and asked me to write him an article for The Fringe Report website www.fringereport.com about what the site does. He did, of course, publish details of Joe and Mike’s show too!

My article was duly published in October and I travelled to London in early November to attend one of the regular Fringe Report evenings where I met up with John and was introduced to several other supportive and enthusiastic individuals who all seemed genuinely amazed and intrigued about what we do, particularly that we do it for nothing apart from the glow of pleasure we get from helping promote and encourage new talent, specifically from Hull and East Yorkshire.  In short, because you’re worth it!

Two weeks ago I had an email from John, telling me we’d won the award this year for Best Publication and inviting myself and guests to the award ceremony to be held at The Leicester Square Theatre in London You could have knocked me down with a feather. I had no idea we’d made such an impression.

So, off I went on Monday morning to the big smoke, met up with Mo and we prepared ourselves, with a sense of nervous anticipation for the evening’s event.

We arrived at the theatre early – just enough time for a stiff drink at one of the pubs on Leicester Square before the doors opened. It was absolutely pouring with rain, so it was a fairly soggy crowd that shuffled quickly into the venue at 7pm.

Because the do was in London and it’s a long way (and a lot of expense) from where we’re based, we didn’t really have many on our guest list, but were grateful to get some support from some of Mo’s friends, two of my sisters, and my nephew who all live down there.

The ceremony started at 8pm sharp.  John Park himself kicked off with an intro to the event. The audience reaction to him really said a lot.  He’s obviously a champion of new and undiscovered talent.  To present the awards, John Park was joined by Emma Taylor, Sarah-Louise Young and  Martin Witts.

The first award was to The Moustache Brothers for Best Political Comedy. These 3 guys based in Burma perform their comedy show relentlessly despite several periods of imprisonment by their own government. 

Needless to say, the brothers weren’t at the ceremony.  Instead, John appealed to the audience for a volunteer to take on the task of finding them and presenting them with their award.   I think he’s still waiting for someone to help – if you can, please get in touch

thisisUll.com’s award was next. I couldn’t believe how nervous we both were at the prospect of standing up on a stage in front of 400 people – but we did manage it and I did manage to put the southern audience right about the pronunciation of the site name!  The award was presented to us by actress Sarah-Louise Young.  Mo thanked all you writers and supporters at home in Hull

All winners were presented with a certificate and a bottle of champagne

There were 25 awards in all. I was delighted to see Kate Copstick receive the award for Best Reviewer and both pleased and surprised when Abi Titmuss took to the stage to receive Best West End Debut (Two-Way Mirror) from 2007.

The Best Encouragers of Talent award went to Ten in a Bed Theatre. I’d met Mike Shephard, one of the six who make up the company back in November and spoke to him afterwards. He, like me, had been shocked and excited that he’d had his work with new writers acknowledged.

After the awards had been presented, there was wine and food and a chance to mingle a bit and show off our certificate!  Surprisingly enough, we were not the only contingent hailing from Hull at the event.  Richard Dragun, who designed the award certificate was one. Now a graphic designer, Richard was born and grew up in Hull

I also met Paul Woodmansey and Paul Drury, both ex-hull lads who work for PR company, Ideas Generation in London. They were all really chuffed to see Hull included in the award

Thank you so much, John Park and Fringe Report. It was a really enjoyable do, well organised and a brilliant atmosphere. We left with a lovely warm glow, a feeling of achievement and pride as we headed back in the pouring rain to our hotel for the night

It’s great to be recognised in whatever capacity, and after almost 6 years, I feel that at last we’re getting somewhere. thisisUll.com is certainly helping to raise the profile of our city. Today London; tomorrow the world!

How Cilla Wykes gave Hull in Yorkshire, England its alternative voice - from her kitchen table

In my life the kitchen table has been a place of immense significance. The hub of what's going on in everybody's life. It's where problems are pondered and decisions are made. Serious discussion and dirty jokes. Party cakes in the afternoon and empty red wine bottles late at night.

Five years ago in May 2003 a discussion round the kitchen table changed my life. Four or five of us were having coffee while the kids were otherwise engaged. Hull was in the news - again. The worst place to live, have children, buy a house. We were enraged. Why was it OK to slag off our city? Weren't there even one or two good things going on? Although I came from Hull, I'd lived all over the place - and I'd made a deliberate choice to move back to Hull have my children.

Even the local paper seemed to show contempt, doing little to promote the city in a positive way. It ran a website - thisishull.co.uk - and we laughingly imagined creating an alternative. Somebody suggested thisisUll - that's how we pronounce it.

Each of us took on a task - to write a story, a food review, take some photographs. Mo, with his experience in software development and knowledge of website construction would be the webmaster. I took on the job of editor and general dogsbody.

It was a busy summer. Mo bought a camera and we started to take an interest in anything and everything that was going on around the city. With my four children in tow, we'd traipse around events, introducing ourselves to anyone who'd listen, and trying to persuade some of them actually to write something. If not, it was up to us to write the words to go with the photos. It was important to get a decent amount of content ready before we launched, so every waking moment was taken up with collecting it.

We launched on 1 August 03. Word of mouth spread the news and soon we were being approached by people who wanted to promote their events, local bands needing exposure with no finance to help, poets and writers who wanted desperately to see their work published in some form - rather than lining their dressing-table drawers. That's where my passion began - the writers. I couldn't believe how many of them there were - and how much they had to offer - it was astounding. Hull had fantastic creative talent waiting to be seen and heard.

By January 04, it had become clear that the idea of the site had struck a chord. We had we had 6,000 monthly unique visitors, and 13,500 page views. It was definitely working - there was clearly a need and desire for a platform to enable people, empower them, motivate.

We began to receive stories about Hull from ex-pats who'd found the site and wanted to publish their own memories of Hull and the life they had here. Publishing these encouraged others - we get news and contributions from all over the world including Canada, Australia, Iceland, and USA. For example Maurice Fairfield lives in Melbourne, Australia. He's a plumber, born in Hull and brought up during the war years. He'd always wanted to write his story, but thought that nobody would be interested. I convinced him otherwise and so, nearing 80, he started to write. The result was mesmerising.

Whenever Maurice sent a new chapter, I'd be off with a camera or straight to the city archive to search out something to illustrate his story in the most authentic way. If nothing else, the last 5 years have been worth all the work just to get his story - still unfinished - documented. And it's turned out that Maurice is also a fairly dazzling poet - what a find

By June 04 thisisUll was at 8,000 monthly unique visitors and 60,000 page views. The kitchen table had truly come into its own as the nerve centre. It hosted interviews, meetings with writers and frequent late night sessions where a lot of wine was drunk and many secrets divulged. I was also trying to have a normal life with four children. We reported on stories which happened in our lives: a burglary, telephone engineers replacing a telegraph pole outside the house. Although the contributors were (and for the most part, still are) anonymous strangers, some have now become firm friends, all with the same vision and motivation. Some of them wanted to work on the site, to contribute more than their writing by helping with the growing mountain of content which was coming through emails or the letter box. By January 2005, there were 66,000 monthly unique visitors and 291,000 page views.

The Tsunami struck South East Asia struck over New Year 2005. Michelle - one of the most prolific contributors to the site - organised a live music gig to raise money for the disaster appeal. We joined forces with a local pub-cum-music-venue and a local night club. The gig took place at three venues - it was a major success. It was also the biggest-ever live music event in Hull.

The evening raised £4152 for the Tsunami Disaster appeal. We had coverage to promote the event from local BBC TV and radio together with help from the local radio station, Viking FM. This event brought about closer ties with young people in the community and promoted the website to a wider local audience.

In May 2005 - 92,800 monthly unique visitors, 273,000 page views - we moved our HQ off the kitchen table into an office in the 'Creative Quarter' of the old town. We'd started publishing paid adverts on the site. The income from them was paltry, but at least it was something. The office had three computers - available to anyone who wanted to produce content for the site. They were in constant demand.

Balancing life wasn't easy. I was still a full-time mum, popping into town when I could. But I was still doing more in the evening when the kids were in bed than during the day, when I was endlessly occupied with domestics. I've never been all that good at housework, actually. I did neglect the household chores when I got involved in supervising several successful work-experience placements. These ranged from Year 10 school-children to second-year fashion-journalism degree-students. I think they all enjoyed themselves - once they got used to the unconventional way the office functioned. That included odd - sometimes very odd - people dropping in at any time: unannounced, for a chat, to use the printer, to use a PC. By April 2007, we had 178,000 monthly unique visitors, and 1,097,000 page views.

At the same time as the catastrophic floods hit Hull in June 2007, we had our own disaster. Poor Mo had a stroke, followed in May 2008 by a heart attack. Fortunately he recovered and is now, at October 08, in better health.

Financially, times were tight - tighter than ever, and what had kept us ticking over previously was no longer enough. Jane - our key person in the office - bid us farewell after two years, and the office had to go. The feeling of confidence we'd initially had about the site supporting itself was waning. We'd had so much positive feedback - a growing local readership and interest shown by local businesses - that we were convinced we could make the site generate an income. But without the skills or manpower to market ourselves, this has proved to be the most difficult goal to achieve. The site will continue, but we have to face reality. As a website we're second to none - April 2008 figures were 176,000 monthly unique visitors, 1,452,000 page views - and we've become an alternative voice for Hull. But as a company, we still have a lot to learn. We remain unfunded, independent and broke.

So here I am, back at the kitchen table, spending every moment I can, checking spelling, editing photos, answering the phone. Mo has thankfully recovered, and is webmastering again. And the kids have grown up. One of them has just left school. ThisisUll has become more than a platform - it's become a positive springboard. We've kept our independence and spirit. We're still doing what we set out to do - to give people on the street a platform for opinions, to help up-and-coming writers pursue their careers, to provide a resource for learning - and to promote the city of Hull and its people.

The lovely Jay Moy has made a video for Mr Beasley's new single, Right As Rain, for the grand sum of zero pence! Check it out: 

The single is out ont he 10th Nov on digital download (iTunes, 7digital etc) and we've got a few live gigs so have a look at the myspace

including one with Scroobius Pip and Dan le Sac and Kid Carpet at Hull Uni Asylum this thursday be there or be a jellied wotsit...

Hey everybody huge thanks and Merry Xmas to everyone who came to our gig last night and a bigger one if you happened to buy a teeshirt, CD or car-sticker. The turnout was good with a healthy mixed crowd of young fans and older heads, each one getting into the groove in their own way. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

Martin Clappison got the night of to a fine start with a mixed set of originals and covers, perhaps he'll do a bit more again soon, because since last time I heard him his vocals seemed to have matured into quite a listenable rasping quality.

Fifty Nine Violets who never fail to deliver put on a fine display of raunchy punky rock apart from not playing Silver Sea, next time lads next time. If you still haven't got a copy of there debut album Prime Numbers then message Digsy and sort it. Look out for the difficult second album which is sure to feature new favourite Sure Start which the 59ers played tonight with gussetts a gusto.

Meanwhile the Favours did us proud with numbers old and new with some blistering guitars and fine backing vocals from Martin. Go and get your copy of or download their new single Sick Of It. Then make sure you buy the album Nice Guys Finish Last (and prove they don't always) The set included a gorgeous rendition of the heartstring puller Will You Remember Me.(Which i videoed so if the quality is right we'll get it up on you tube soon as)

Finally those Dirty rock n roll stars the Dreamers proved yet again why they have young boys throwing themselves at the stage and young girls swooning at every turn.  With major panache in the vocals dept. Ash was a sporting a Go Go Kings teeshirt (his other band) Baz in a Stones number laid down some guitar licks the likes of which we haven't seen for a good while. Good to see Baz really enjoying himself and it showed in the overall song delivery. Special shout to Dave Meilhan who as the original Dreamers drummer played the majority of the Dreamers set (Chris Landau nee Dreamer played the first few numbers) A set which included one of the very first songs ther band wrote when Dave was in the band as a finale. A special moment for those fans who have been with the band since the very beginning.

Look out for some great shots of the night on here soon- Baz axe to the sky turning it on again and again- Ash straddling the mic stand in sexy rock star pose, Digsy giving it plenty of attack and Mr Cool on bass doing what he does best. Watch for some fine ass shots of Martin,  and Sara looking radiant in blue and maybe if your lucky there'll be one of you too.

Lets here it for The LiquidiZer for some catchy songs in between bands and for playing Deelite late into the night. Big shout to Cilla who sat on the door for most of the night and to Paul Jackson (Adelphi Proprietor) and his staff for being lifelong supporters of thisisull and what we do. Oh and one more shout goes to our supporters Yo-Yo hope y'all had a fine night dancing to Priya's Indie Disco.

Next thisisull gig Friday the 28th December The Sorry Loves plus supports come and join us for some post xmas fun.

The Next Buzz

By Michelle Dee

I turn the corner there's a queue

going right down the street. The occasional shriek

as excited young girls, dream of men they might meet. My feet

make no sound as I pass around people standing.

Striding for the door I go inside unhindered unseen and take a seat.

I wait and watch as noise and people pile in

hear tills ring as, drinkers get served.

Poured, bought and drank,

Poured out, paid for and now drunk.

Sliding behind the counter, I measure a shot in a small glass then

take another, without a care, sliding back to my chair.

The lights go out, now a whisper then a shout.

Fans push to the front to get a better view

as four guys walk on stage to the sound of stomping feet.

I look on as one by one they take up guitars bass and beat.

They sing a song that's not so long, the crowd surge and cheer.

They begin another called lost lover

this one a prayer hangs in the air. ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Sparks dance alive in the eyes of the crowd,

glasses no longer chink, people forget to drink, longing, listening for one more glistening chorus.

Smash go the cymbals, crash go the drums, flash flash clicks a camera, then the moment has past.

A new song starts and the crowd scream for more.

Cheeks flush as the room gets hot but I am not.

Finishing my shot, I look first to the shabby floor, then to the open door,

take a lingering look at the band. Glass in hand

I weave a path through the joyful fans,

stopping only to smile all the while admiring, the young girl flyering,

then eye the ones on the tables, soaked in beer,

you can't read the words no matter how you peer.

A cheer, a shout, a whistle and I'm out.

The music fades behind me, to a back ground fuzz,

as the gig going ghost, forever seeks the next buzz.

Live Music Reviews – Thursday 27^th September Music Exchange featuring Dave Abbott Jess Banister The Harri Watts Band and Ernest (Rare Acoustic Performance) By Michelle Dee

The Music Exchange night organised and run by Dave Watts and Derek Harrison from The Harri Watts Band is most certainly a civilised way to enjoy live music in the city. I remark as much, to early arrival Jim (Ernest bassist) as we tuck into the chicken curry and chips included in the modest ticket price of £4/5. The night is held once a month on a Thursday, in the function suite at Dorchester Hotel on ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Beverley Rd.

I've been once or twice before and really enjoyed the respectable setting, the attentive crowds, the atmosphere and of course the food isn't bad. First on stage tonight was Dave Abbott, having seen the recent article in the local press about the singer/songwriter I was keen to see what he had to offer. What that was, was a mixed bag of original material and covers sang with a confidence and gentle guitar sound. The first song, what separates me from you was akin to Hessle band Still Life's song Seventeen and introduced us to Dave's strong vocals that were more evident in a reworked version of Hard to Handle. Kiss for my roses original song, repetitive relaxed guitar motifs that will appeal to the MOR fan. Vicky's Song had strong local imagery and was very Hull. Omerta Dave's contribution to the Flood Aid CD sounded different to the recording and even more redolent live.

Next on this night of acoustic treats was the HDM Talent Trail Winner 2007 Jess Bannister. On her big night a few months a go I heard many people commenting on her voice and how they'd all thought she was a most deserved winner. Her rich country/pop vocals charmed the audience tonight and I could see why she had won out over the other competitors at Talent Trail. She opens with a cover then into Happy a hopeful upbeat number that is sure to lift the spirits of the listener. Her pop credentials show with a reworked song by popular boy band Five which she adapts well to suit her vocal range and style. It's hard not to see the average Viking FM and Radio Humberside listener not latching on to her girl next door manner. She's a sure thing, smiley personality shines through blithe sunny songs and she can actually sing. Having been under whelmed by most of this years X Factor entrants (I hate all that Mariah Carey vocal gymnastics they all seem to do) Jess was a pleasant surprise. She confirmed my earlier thoughts a with rendition of You're still the One and brought it up to date with KT Tunstall's black horse and cherry tree not a song I know, but I heard it again last week by the Love Spuds and their version was very different to hers. Jess has the makings of a strong recording artist, given the right opportunities she could become a local singing star and with a request for an encore tonight may well prove to be a very popular choice in the future.

Harri Watts Band have been a favourite of mine for four years or more and with much talk about new technical gizmos on our table we awaited the first number Sun lady. And oh, just listen to that electric violin, all wired up so that it sounds manifold and more haunting than of old. I don't blame you baby, rhythmic and fun, tells suggestive stories with tri vocal harmonies to please and placate. Where as Second Coming tackles much loftier subject matter in that it reveals the problems in our increasingly secular world, the loss of spirituality and faith; just simple faith.

 Angel Eyes the one that's sung in conversation every time you utter the name Harri Watts. A popular song amongst friends and admirers, tonight it has added colour and form by way of new toys and effects; just listen to that synth violin sound, saucy Harri Watts. A change of mood and the trio do a new song about the dangers of smoking. A weighty song, that was apparently written at the behest of exiting Deputy PM John Prescott in order to put across the serious message behind the smoking ban. It opens amidst a barrage of coughing and spluttering and moans of the deathly variety. Ciggy Song is carried along with dark humour and describes the very real danger of death from smoking. Serious stuff indeed. Opinions were divided on this one. After the set, while we all stood around outside having a smoke one chap said, Not a good idea to alienate half your audience, but the applause showed that many agreed with the sentiment.

Poor Billy came next, another cheery number about death, played in the story telling tradition that echoes and replays the feelings of parents today whose children are sent off to war, to die. Up bowing, down bowing, filmic and expressive, paints pictures of battlefields of fallen soldiers, faces half hidden in the dirt. The control of Derek's vocal the range and variation, in tone and in timbre, the timing everything; is arresting and highly entertaining.

Then finally it was time for Ernest's third appearance since new bassist Jim joined the band. Having seen Ernest's stripped down performance at Sunday Sesh in 06 which I commented on, on this site, I was very much looking forward to another rare glimpse of Ernest unplugged. I'm blown away immediately with the subtle fragility of Red Leader and time becomes frozen for the next forty minutes. Stay Calm is accompanied by hand drumming and homemade rice shakers from Ian. There's newly written underlying guitar lines from Simon, especially for tonight's performance.  Routine sounds very different, with tempo shifts and chiming xylophone rings childlike and magnetic on Puppies. Then more new guitar lines bluesy and funk, then a Spanish influence creeps in and out with a cymbal shimmer. The band Ernest have recently received great compliment from Diane Silento (star of the original cult film The Wiccaman) on the vocal sample at the beginning of Crash Tested. Deep reverberating bass intro and top end guitar thrills all recently transposed; transformed inside the mind of Ernest.

My heart leapt, sank, then leapt again as Terry (lead vocals) introduced Elsie's Song, the only other time I've heard this poignant number was at her wake. Then Terry sat on a dimly lit stage and sang solo, guitar in hand a song inspired by the love and passion the writer had for his band. Listening now, the lyrics capture her writing, her singular determined approach to everything she undertook. The song's form has moved on and changed as everything has to, since that grey Friday, when friends gathered to pay and play tribute to her brief life.

Musicians' toys, shiny and new, create rhythm and sounds, that bubble and grounds, lips quiver as cymbals shiver, and wet eyes blink, while we watch listen think, of what might have been.

I look away momentarily and as I do I see Elsie's partner has, just at that moment walked in the room, and is now stood at the bar; kismet surely. I look around again and see a group of young Japanese sat listening intently. Ernest's performance is received with much applause and I'd like to think some of the same faces tonight will be watching when this unique band plays these shores once more. Ernest are heading East in November to play live in Japan. We'd like to wish them a safe journey and await their tales of adventure from fabled places.

www.myspace.com/daveabbottuk

www.myspace.com/harriwattsband

www.ernestband.net                

Live Music Reviews – Monday 24th September Six Nation State and The Cherry Cobb Cartel At Lamp

By Michelle Dee

It's Tuesday evening and a host of text messages fill my phone begging my presence at this gig at that gig. My poor tortured synapses threaten to snap. I'm drowning under a sea of demands when one more text alerts me. This one of the personal nature addressed to me, and describes the feelings of utter pleasure their band would have on seeing me. That personal touch seals it, and I choose on the Lamp and The Cherry Cobb Cartel as my preferred entertainment that evening. I arrive and note Six Nation State are also on the bill. I spy cellos and an accordion on the poster. Ahah folky indie musics from down ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />London way that will do nicely, I remark to the charming young lady on the door, so I pays me money and wanders inside.

Once inside I meet up with the Cobb and young Ted (Sweet n Sour) and we while away the hour or so before show time. Amusing ourselves with anecdotes from weeks past and expanding the grey matter answering Trivial Pursuits question cards with Hetty and Anna behind the bar. I nip outside and chat to Nick from Windum Earl and note that the Lamp has now a fully covered smoking area. Those sun parasols let in too much rain. With a nod, a wink and another drink, The Cherry Cobb Cartel opened the show.

Rich Hobson, of Turismo fame; widely regarded as one of the best drummers in the city, is now lending his talents to the Cartel. And what a difference it makes. The band has more overall attack, added dimensions much more room to manoeuvre. Daisy Chains has been given something of a make-over allowing the melody to grow and develop into something slightly heavier. During Why So Sad Matt on bass takes himself for a mad walk in pointy shoes. The drum patterns and sheer power give the front three more to work with – has added drama and character to the individual songs and gives the audience something really vital to hold on to.

Almost acappela harmonies from Ryan and Tom for the next and the crowd have sprung from nowhere to see this rejuvenated band shine. The way they were playing tonight the Cobb oozed style and class throughout. On Our Turn a rolling chord repeats on itself setting pulses racing all around "I'm bored of this city" Ryan sings and well they might be, but tonight Hull loves them. The quick fire Saw You At The Disco barrel rolls into the smoke free air then it's time for my new favourite.

There's a hard ass drum roll a thunderous clap that precedes the wending refrains of Heart I Bought. This too, given a reworking, with spiky angular injections that plateau into dreamy filmic eerie places then are brought back into focus again with cool composure. Best I've seen The Cherry Cobb Cartel and I wouldn't hesitate to see them again. Neither should you.

The second act tonight cancelled So and So's where were you? It would have been nice to catch up again. So we go straight into headliners Six Nation State. With the single We Could Be Happy already out (10^th Sept) debut album out Sept 24^th I was keen to see what this band was about. For the first few songs I just stood and marvelled at the energy on stage the ever shifting vocal tones on I Hate The Summer and the penchant for double duo choruses stage left and right. The guitarist on my left is doing a strange chickeny thing with his neck and all around we are bouncing on our knees to the goodtime grooves.

A change of pace, maybe cockney trash indie akin to Larrikin Love for the single We could be happy and people are really getting into these visitors' second time to Hull. They play more and it's laidback danceable and fun. Real songs with recognisable notes sung properly not just growled or snarled at the mic.

There's a fast snare crisp and light that opens up a brand new song, no name, but I thought it was the best one so far. Another new one has a definite sixties motif love to hear it again; reminded me of sunny days and floppy hats, yet the lyrics tell a different story, "I wish you would die" not very cheerful after all. The finale Up and Down is delightful uproarious and satisfying.  

Six Nation State have been going for four years and have been signed for one. The lead singer explains that down south they are known as quite a big band but coming up North it's like starting all over again. No late night parties for this band though they were due for an early morning Radio slot with BBC Humberside. I hope they stray this way again soon.

www.myspace.com/thecherrycobbcartel

www.sixnationstate.co.uk                 

Music News  - Hull Flood Aid - What Happened?

By Michelle Dee And Supporters

By now most of you will have heard that the Hull Flood Aid Event due to be staged at Queens Gardens in the centre of Hull on the 9^th September has been cancelled. Yes can you believe it four days before the event the council outdoor events personnel decided we couldn't go ahead. All the time, effort, and bloody hard work day and night put in by Steve Walker has been thrown back in his face.

Here is the story as I (Michelle Dee) understand it.

Initially Steve went to the council and said he wanted to put on a feel good event in Hull in order to raise the spirits of the people worse affected by the recent widespread flooding. In his own words to put on, " the event of the season, free for all the family, to spread good vibes throughout the city."

He spoke with Councillor Minns and explained his plan. He spoke with the Outdoor Events councillors and explained his plan. He spoke with the police and presented them with his security profile, and he spoke with me. At that point he asked if I could help get some bands, a Myspace bulletin was sent out and two days later and he had fifty or so bands and artists all wanting to play their part in what was to be the only flood aid related event proposed.

Back to the council.

Hull City Council initially said they would give us the use of the Mick Ronson Stage in Queens Gardens. They, however, wanted no more to do with the event than that. There are two schools of thought as to why this is. One: They were far too busy engaged in co-ordinating the response to the aftermath of the flood; assessing private properties and council owned buildings such as homes, schools and municipal buildings (which it was later revealed they had no insurance for the risk of flooding)

Or Two: The council in a cowardly way, don't wish to engage in anything that has not been rubberstamped and chewed over in the corridors of power till it has become unrecognisable as the proposal it started as. I believe they didn't think Steve Walker and his supporters could pull off such an event.

• When they saw how he had got the press machine rolling
• Garnered outside support from some local companies including Kcom, MKM Building Supplies, Shipham Valves, ROK TEGA, itsl Sound And Light and others.

When they saw he had everything in place regarding the actual running of the event.

• I.E. security, licensing, access, sound and staging
• Detailed plans for stallholders, amenities and other entertainment
• Activities including a funfair for the kids numerous sideline activities
• An exciting and varied line up of musical talent from across the city.

Not only all that, but organised a CD of bands that would have played on the day.

·        A beautiful compilation CD that I know Dan worked tirelessly till 4am during an intensive 48 hours to design.

·        Enlisted the expertise of Fairview Recording Studio who mastered the sixteen track disc and duplicated 500 copies.

Now those artists may never get the chance to play such a high profile show on the same bill. (I feel particularly distraught about this) We were not only raising much needed aid for those families most in need and getting it to them in double quick time through the CVS distribution initiative. But also the cities profile, giving everyone a free day of fun, but we were bringing different communities together laying foundations for a better future.

When they saw he had done all that (and for anyone who has ever tried to put any independent event on in this city they will know just what a mammoth undertaking all this is) they pulled the plug on Hull Flood Aid Event.

Due to the troubles during and after East Park Rocks we decided to increase our security detail for the day so that it doubled the amount of security enlisted for the East Park event. The police said they were going to now enforce the gold zone rules (No Alcohol on site) so Steve announced this development in a blog on the Flood Aid Myspace site. Our event was next in line and all eyes were focussed on every item in our planning. The council completely out of the blue informed Steve that to run an event such as this you have to have up to six months of turn around time from inception to completion.

None of this was said when the proposal was first put forward.

The council in their infinite wisdom suggested to us we have a council co-ordinated event a year on from the floods. An anniversary event if you like that they would promote, tailor to fit their own agendas, tick their beloved little boxes and undoubtedly congratulate themselves on their brilliance.

Sir Bob Geldof has his say from the Sudan

We didn't need all these police at Live Aid, what's wrong with you Hull, charity is supposed to begin at home and you can't even put an outdoor charity show on to help yourselves, you need to shake up the authorities and police force over there. (quote from comments section H.D.M site)

Local Playwright/Writer Gill Adams has her say

I'd like to add here that 1,000 requests for support to well known thriving businesses went out and every request was IGNORED, that's like saying we don't care about your event or Hull people.

The trouble in East Park has caused a knee Jerk reaction by the police and council - from the police point of view they don't have the manpower but its clear that the council are not straight with us, they could have let us know way earlier than this, don't forget we're talking about a council with a strangle hold on this City, who don't actually support, celebrate or nurture us in anyway, who know full well they've messed up big time and are side-stepping and back footing to cover their backs, who only shout about their own events AND make it impossible for any independent creative citizens to do anything remotely radical or different or 'real' even, this is obviously an attempt to CONTROL us. Artists, writers, musicians weren't made to be CONTROLLED.

Rock and Roll can save us, can speak for us and can uplift us and heal us…

First responses to the news that Hull Flood Aid Event was cancelled.

"Considering the charity it's for, that's shocking!!
Queens Gardens is right outside their main station too!!!!!!"

The many faces of Shirley Higton who was very much looking forward to playing at the event has responded to the news in a musical way…

Flood Aid protest song Ode to a businessman is now on line at www.myspace.com/shirlsworld1

Flood Aid Site www.myspace.com/stevewalker2007

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