Public told to get on the buses for city's busiest day of year

More than 100,000 visitors are expected as the city centre Freedom music festival coincides with Hull's biggest rugby league derby match in 30 years at the KC Stadium in West Park.

Festival organisers have dubbed it Super Saturday but are advising people to plan their journeys carefully to avoid an traffic snarl-ups.

The A63 at Castle Street – Hull's busiest road – will be closed from noon until 9pm from Ferensway roundabout to Garrison Road roundabout, creating potential bottlenecks elsewhere, and forcing a rethink for anyone travelling from the M62 and the west of the city to the docks and ferry terminal in the east.

Other closures will be in place around Queen's Gardens and the marina, where most of the music events are taking place.

Hull Council and Humberside Police say the closures are needed to protect visitors, and are confident contingency plans, including the provision of extra public transport, will minimise any disruption. Similar closures passed off largely without incident last year when the festival coincided with the Hull launch of the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race – which attracted 150,000 people.

It was the first time Castle Street, which carries about 54,000 vehicles a day, had been closed by a public event.

This year, the festival clashes with Hull FC's home game against arch rivals Hull KR, which kicks off at 6pm.

The knockout play-off match is the biggest between the clubs since they contested the 1980 Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

Rugby fans heading to the KC Stadium face the additional problem of the ongoing closure due to roadworks of Albert Avenue, which links Anlaby Road with Spring Bank.

Coun John Robinson, portfolio holder for image and culture at the city council, said: "This weekend had everything to make it a fantastically successful time for the city from jaw-dropping street theatre to music, comedy and live arts, to a nail-biting rugby league derby.

"We hope people have a fantastic time but heed the advice and plan their journey to avoid disappointment.

"It worked really well last year as people mainly used public transport, and the same level of planning has gone into this year with our partners to make sure we keep the city moving and that those who attend have a safe and enjoyable day."

Three park and ride services will be in operation, at Walton Street, Priory Park and the Humber Bridge.

The Castle Street closure is expected to lead to heavier traffic along Rawling Way, Ferensway and Freetown Way.

Chief Insp Kai Adegbembo, of Humberside Police, said: "The planning for the event has been thorough and has involved consultation with local businesses, residents and our multi-agency partners to ensure that everyone is kept informed and keep any potential disruption to a minimum.

"I am convinced that the long-term planning and coordination between everyone involved will ensure that the Freedom Festival is a huge success for the city."

Hull FC community director John Flatman added: "We are offering free parking at the stadium for those who arrive before 5pm to ease congestion, but with significant road closures in place we are encouraging people to use public transport and set off in plenty of time for the match."