11-year-old's artwork selected for Hull Fair advertising campaign

IT IS that time of year again when the nights draw in and the temperature drops but an air of excitement increases across the city.

The countdown is on for one of the calendar highlights – Hull Fair.

The build-up to this year's event is even more special for one 11-year-old.

Christopher Arnold, of east Hull, won a Hull City Council poster competition which will see his artwork at the forefront of the advertising campaign for the fair.

The Malet Lambert pupil's colourful poster shows the rides and stalls which make Hull Fair so recognisable.

The excited youngster said: "It is good to see my artwork around Hull.

"It was a big surprise when they said I had won but I am very proud.

"I didn't really know what I was going to do, I just drew it.

"I have been to Hull Fair loads of times and my favourite ride is the dodgems."

His mum Joanne is delighted to see her son's work displayed all round the city.

She said: "I am very proud of him winning.

"He loves art and draws a lot. He has always been interested in it.

"We have just done a tour of the centre and it's quite strange seeing his work everywhere.

"We will certainly be off to Hull Fair, we go every year."

Christopher's poster is displayed across the city, letting everyone know the fair is on its way.

Christopher and his family have been invited to the opening ceremony of the fair after wining the competition.

The event opens on Friday, October 5 and runs until Saturday, October 13 (excluding the Sunday).

It is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe, with more than 250 rides and an array of attractions.

Each year, the fair offers something for everyone and provides an electric atmosphere with the exciting rides, bright lights and music to the variety of delicious food, traditional stalls, children's rides and games.

Councillor Geraghty, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, is pleased with the poster competition's success.

He said: "The poster competition has been a good way to get young people involved and raise the profile of the Fair."

Cllr Geraghty is confident this year's event will not disappoint.

He said: "Each year there is a fun and exciting atmosphere which is enjoyed by residents of the city and with visitors coming far and wide we see benefits in the local economy.

"Once again we hope the Hull Fair weather does nothing to dampen the spirits of those who come to enjoy the sights, smells and traditions of the fair and that we top the visitor figures of more than 500,000-plus people who attended last year.

"We welcome visitors new and old to enjoy the sights, smells and traditions of Hull Fair, which always creates a fun and exciting atmosphere in the city."

Children's rides open at 2pm and the whole fair opens from 5pm to 11pm. Walton Street will have more than a mile of stalls.