Organisers behind a festival aimed at people with learning disabilities have commended it as "outstanding" after an incredible 10,000 people flocked to Pearson Park for an afternoon of fun.

The Big Gig, which returned for its second year, saw thousands descend on the park last Saturday for an afternoon of live music, performances, workshops and engaging interactive activities.

Hull Red, a charity that puts on events for adults with learning disabilities, has spent over a year putting together the extravaganza and Alex Hamlin, who works as a director for the organisation, was overwhelmed by how successful it was.

"It was outstanding," she said. "The turnout was far better than we could have ever expected which I think was down to the weather in part but it really was just a storming day.

"I was most pleased with the fact that it was clearly accessible to everybody who attended. Everyone was able to access every part of the festival and everyone we've spoken to said they found their way around easily.

"There was no tension and people were interacting with everybody which was great to see. We managed to get people from all walks of life and it didn't feel like a disability event."

Over the course of the day, seven bands played music to keep the crowds entertained in glorious sunshine.

Pearson Park welcomed thousands for the Big Gig
Pearson Park welcomed thousands for the Big Gig

There was also a fun-fulled activities area, with samba drumming and break-dancing lessons as well as a small procession by Hull Carnival Arts.

Hull Red, who are known for organising nightclub events for people with learning disabilities, put on their first Big Gig in 2015 at the University of Hull.

However, after it was deemed a roaring success, they asked Pearson Park Trust if they could use its open green space for this year's spectacle which received funding as part of City of Culture.

Miss Hamlin said: "It was a fantastic venue. It is such a lovely park and it's great because it's so close to the city centre and handy for a lot of bus routes.

"The trustees of the park were incredibly open to us. I don't think they have had many events in the park recently and the park wardens made us feel really welcome.

"It was very accessible and incredibly pretty - it provided a lovely backdrop."

Hull city councillor John Fareham, who is also chairman of the Pearson Park Trust, was equally pleased with the Big Gig and thought it was a great use of the park's vast greenery.

He said: "We've had no complains back and we thought it went really well.

"The whole park was set up for people to get clean air and think beautiful thoughts and I think this event has helped to raise awareness and help the common good and that is what this park is all about."

Although there is usually a two-year gap between each Big Gig, Miss Hamlin can't help but think about the prospect of putting on another festival sooner than anticipated after being overwhelmed by the number of people who trekked to Pearson Park on Saturday.

The 39-year-old said: "We are absolutely thrilled. It went completely beyond what we hoped it could ever be and we are full of enthusiasm to do another event in the next year or two."