The Freedom Festival in Hull seems to have become an annual event. Judging by the number of people attending, it also appears to be very successful. This is good news for the city and for businesses too.

The news that next year the council will be seeking more private sponsorship is also welcome news.

This is something I encouraged in the pages of this newspaper last year. It is only right that those businesses who benefit should make a contribution. Look at the Larkin25 events.

Hull City Council was going to spend about £200,000 on sponsoring the fibreglass toads. Thankfully, the council backed down after pressure from myself and others, private sponsorship was found, and the event was a great success.

This is the way forward. Some public money will always be spent organising and promoting big events, but this should be kept to a minimum.

It is in the interests of everyone in the city that Hull is seen as a place to visit, and everyone needs to play their part.

Andrew Allison

National Grassroots Co-ordinator,

The TaxPayers' Alliance, Hull.