Feeding 5,000 in Hull 

Thousands of people in Hull received a free fish sandwich during a re-creation of the famous Bible story Jesus Feeds the 5,000

The event took place in Hull's Queen's Gardens on a scorching Saturday on 17 June, with fryers cooking an average of 160 portions every 15 minutes. As well as fish in a bread roll, 5,000 people were also given a re-telling of the story, from Bible Society, as a cartoon by the Beano's Kev Sutherland.

They also received a free knitted fish, organised by Eve Carter of Cottingham Road Baptist Church in Hull.

A partnership of 90 churches called Believe in Hull were behind the event, which was supported by Bible Society. It was the biggest community event staged by Believe in Hull, as part of its Communities of Culture initiative to tie in with City of Culture.
 
‘It was just a fantastic day,’ said the Bishop of Hull, the Rt Rev Alison White, who also chairs Believe in Hull. ‘We wanted to achieve a special event for the people of Hull – give a gift, extend hospitality and welcome, and there was no shortage of takers.
 
‘It was a superb location at Queen’s Gardens too. I can’t thank enough those people from around the country who knitted such cute fish for us – we smashed our target and everything came together.’


 
Eve also spoke of her delight that the event had come together. When the event was planned last year she thought it would be great to give something alongside as a reminder of the free fish sandwich they’d received.
 
Being a keen knitter herself, she found a pattern online and set about mobilising knitting groups both locally and further afield. A range of creative designs were sent in, all in time for the event on 17 June.
 
Eve said, ‘It was just amazing. Everybody was surprised it was free, and seemed to love the inventiveness and idea of a free knitted fish.
 
‘I’m a big believer in small steps. I hope the fish will keep the day in their memory, and who knows where that will lead.’