One of Hull’s cultural leaders is to be made an Honorary Burgess by Hull City Council.
Graham Chesters, a University of Hull professor and chair of the Freedom Festival board, will be granted the Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Humber Award.
He will be presented with an official scroll by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Wilson, on Thursday 18 July for his promotion of education and culture in Hull.
Prof Chesters moved to Hull in 1972 when he joined Hull University’s Faculty of Education. He took the role as university advisor on educational partnerships until September 2007 when he retired.
He was chairman of the Governors of Hull College and a prominent figure in the Higher Education equivalent of Ofsted.
He has committed a significant part of his life, voluntarily, to championing culture in his Freedom Festival role, as Trust Member of the UK City of Culture 2017 bid team and others.
Councillor Stephen Brady, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Graham is something of an unsung hero in his advocacy for our great city of Hull.
“He has had a hugely beneficial impact on academia, culture and tourism through his leadership and championing of all that Hull has to offer to its communities and the wider world and I am delighted that he is being granted the Honorary Burgess award.”
Jenny Howard-Coombes, executive director of Freedom Festival Arts Trust said: “This recognition couldn’t be more well-deserved. Graham may not be a household name but he is Hull’s true champion of culture.”
The decision to award the status was taken by the Civic Committee on 30 April. The ceremony will take place at a Full Council meeting on Thursday 18 July in the Council Chamber at the Guildhall.
