Hull Vigil: A Participant’s Experience
On Friday 17th September 2021, I had the privilege of being able to watch over the city of Hull for the sunrise as part of the Freedom Festival’s Hull Vigil; it was also my birthday! When the booking system went live back in March 2021, I thought this would be a unique way to start another year of my life, and to feel a deeper connection to myself as well as the city I’ve called home since 2013. All available slots were booked out within hours, so I was especially excited to have secured a place.
Although it was an earlier start than I’d have liked (cough 5am cough), the anticipation of being present for one of the most peaceful moments of the day was a solid motivator. I met my companion who guided me as I took my place for the vigil, and I enjoyed learning more about her and why she wanted to be involved with the project.
Participants can’t take cameras and phones to the vigil itself, but I managed to capture a cheeky photo before my vigil started, and got a flavour of what was to come.
Pre-Vigil view of the sunrise over Hull on 17/09/2021, (C) Emma Pooley
Although there were some clouds and mist lingering over the city, it looked set to be a beautiful, clear day. As my vigil began, the horizon was a deep red glow, and as the sun started to rise, it became brighter and brighter. At one point, its position in relation to a cloud gave the impression that there were two suns in the sky, which was a bit surreal! The colour evolved to a bold orange, then into a golden yellow, before reaching the highest point in the sky and becoming a bright white light; it was absolutely magical to witness.
Having such a unique perspective over the city meant that I noticed details that I usually would have missed. There is some incredible graffiti amongst the usual tags, and I particularly enjoyed a piece that said, ‘Covid 1984’! My bird-watching skills leave a lot to be desired, but I loved the fluidity of the movements as the birds wove between the buildings and over the Humber. The Humber Bridge itself was hidden behind the mist at first, but as time passed, the mist began to lift and the full scale of this amazing landmark began to emerge.
The lack of distractions and interruptions enabled me to fully connect with the peace and tranquility. I enjoy being with others, but I’m also happy in my own company, and having an opportunity to simply be in the moment was a joy. As the city began to awaken and people made their way to wherever they were going that day, I noticed that I didn’t feel apart from them; in fact, I felt like I was a small part of their lives in an incredibly special way, even if they weren't aware of my presence.
In the days since my vigil, I’ve noticed that I’ve been considerably more aware of the world around me, as well as how I feel within myself. Being present and in-the-moment is something our society has discouraged in favour of consumerism and productivity, and it’s no wonder so many of us often feel anxious, stressed and exhausted.
We are all human beings, and not ‘human doings’; it is enough to be, in whatever way that is for you. I invite you to find ways to connect with yourself in the moment as often as you can; life is for living after all.