Folk Festival stage to be named after ‘much missed’ Hull Maritime volunteer Dan ‘Bear’ Thomas

DEDICATED: Hull Maritime volunteer Dan Thomas

By Simon Bristow

The main stage at this year’s Hull Folk and Maritime Festival will be named in memory of Hull Maritime volunteer Dan “Bear” Thomas, who died suddenly in January.

Hull Maritime said it was sponsoring the stage in memory of Dan, who was a “valued volunteer”.

Organised by Folk in Hull, the popular folk festival takes place on September 10 at the Marina, Fruit Market and Pier areas, and the Dan Thomas Minerva Stage will host an array of acts including Edwina Hayes, Fiddler's Elbow, the Hillbilly Troupe, Pavey Ark, and the Jon Palmer Band.

Hull City Council leader, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “Dan had a keen interest in maritime history and was a dedicated volunteer for many years, helping to maintain the Arctic Corsair when she was berthed on the River Hull outside the Museums Quarter.

“Supporting the Hull Folk and Maritime Festival in memory of Danny will pay tribute to his dedication, and the support he gave to the city’s last remaining sidewinder trawler.”

Sam Hawcroft, one of the trustees of Folk in Hull, said: “We were all devastated by the sudden loss of Dan in January. He was a crucial member of our team, and we all miss him hugely.

“We’re so grateful to Hull Maritime that we’re able to honour his memory in this way.”

More information about the festival is available here.