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Colliderfest – A new festival to celebrate science, culture & art!

Hull city centre is set to come alive with creativity and innovation as it hosts an exciting four-day festival from Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 March 2025.

This inaugural event, a collaborative effort between Hull City Council, the Hull Maritime project, Hull Museums and Gallery, and the University of Hull, will explore the dynamic connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and maths.

The four-day extravaganza will bring together two days of educational events for schools followed by a weekend of exciting science and arts-based activities, workshops and shows, for visitors with a large-scale evening spectacle of light installations trailing across the city centre.

‘Colliderfest 2025’ will kick off with two inspiring days dedicated to children and young people, encouraging them to embrace careers in science, green energy and innovation. Attendees can look forward to a diverse array of workshops, performances, and interactive exhibitions led by industry professionals and world-renowned scientists. A focus on environmental issues will also be prominent, sparking conversations and actions that address our planet’s challenges.

The latter half of the festival, on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March, will shift its focus to families and young people, featuring an engaging programme filled with discovery zones spread across the Museums Quarter, Ferens Art Gallery, and Hull Truck Theatre to name a few. They will showcase interactive exhibits, live performances, and family fun and hands-on engineering challenges for everyone to enjoy. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in both entertaining and thought-provoking discussions that impact on culture and society and challenge preconceived notions about what science is and what it can be.

The festival programme will include family-friendly shows by a wide range of science communicators. Visitors will also be able to participate in a wide range of hands-on activities, workshops and experiments including exotic animal handling, state of the art robotics demonstrations and activities demonstrating the impacts of environment and climate change. Venues will also host a range of activities created by both academics at the University of Hull and local science-based industries that will inspire an interest in the world of science and technology.

Programme highlights include an outdoor physical theatre performance, featuring a 13-foot-tall sea giant puppet telling a moving tale about our earth’s climate emergency told trough dance, movement and masterful puppeteering. This spectacle is designed specifically for family and festival audiences and tells the magical story of Eko, a sea giant who rises from the deep ocean and who encounters, on the shore, a courageous little girl called Violet.

Experience a magical evening of light, art, and movement as the city centre transforms on Friday 14 March. Follow a trail of stunning displays at various locations and join us for an unforgettable night that brings the city centre to life.

The event will take place alongside Hull’s second Cultural Tides conference on Friday 14 March, when the Culture and Heritage Strategy 2025-2030 will launch at Hull Truck Theatre.

Join us in celebrating the fusion of arts, science, and engineering at this innovative free festival. More details on the festival schedule and ticketing will be announced soon.

For more information and to register your interest in the festival follow X @Colliderfest, Facebook @ColliderfestUK and Tiktok @colliderfest or visit colliderfest.co.uk to sign up and be the first to receive programme launch information!

Middle Child reveal cast for rock’n’roll panto, Treasure Island

Middle Child reveal cast for rock’n’roll panto, Treasure Island

Treasure Island runs at Social in Hull from 19-29 December
The story was chosen by the audience of last year’s panto
Marc Graham once again returns as dame Pattie Breadcake

Middle Child have revealed the cast of their 2024 rock’n’roll panto, Treasure Island.

The award-winning Hull company return to gig venue Social on Humber Street in Hull from 19-29 December, with a story their audience chose in a public vote last year.

Treasure Island see a host of roving ruffians set sail down the Humber on the famous Spurn lightship, in search of doubloons galore.

Marc Graham once again stars as loudmouth dame, Pattie Breadcake, while last year’s villain, Alice Beaumont, plays this year’s hero, Jim.

Sophie Clay makes her first Middle Child panto appearance since 2016 as devious pirate, Long John Silver.

Josie Morley is back as audience friend, Captain Corsair, while Kobby Taylor plays Silver’s sidekick Blabberbeak.

Andy Ross returns to clown duties as the scene-stealing Reluctant Stage Manager.

Jack Chamberlain wields the drumsticks as a marooned skater boy, Chad Kickflip, while Natalie Walker features on keys, as musical director, Piano Natalie.

BSL interpreter Dave Wycherley will also appear on-stage to interpret all performances on Saturday 21 December.

Audiences can expect live music and the chance to make as much noise as they can, plus a final mischief performance on 29 December, when the cast and crew play pranks on each other on-stage.

The run includes family performances at 2.00pm and 6.00pm, alongside six late-night shows at 9.30pm, for not-so-grown-ups to leave the kids at home.

Tickets are available through the Middle Child website, starting at £13.50 for children and going up to £19.50 for standard tickets.

Visit Middle Child Theatre for more details and to buy tickets.

Treasure Island

Written and directed by Paul Smith
Chosen by You

Venue: Social, 63 Humber Street, Hull

Dates: 19-29 December 2024

Times: Various

Tickets: Children £13.50; Concessions £16.50; Standard £19.50 (no booking fee)

Middle Child are a Hull-based company creating gig theatre that brings people together for a good night out with big ideas. They tell untold stories which capture the electrifying moment when the beat drops, mixing original live music with bold new writing.

Their events are live and loud, making sense of the modern world. They are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that theatre is affordable and accessible for all. They will set fire to your expectations of what a night at the theatre can be.

Middle Child’s artist development programme, Reverb, ensures that artists in Hull are given top-class development opportunities across disciplines, without having to leave the city.

Middle Child are an Arts Council England national portfolio organisation and an associate company of Paines Plough, supported by Hull City Council, Garfield Weston, Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust, Wykeland and the Sir James Reckitt Charity.

Hull Dance Flourish Film – I like to move, I move what I can

I like to move; I move what I can – Film by Hull Dance

A group of people living with MS have met via zoom since the covid pandemic in 2020. As the world re-opened following the end of lockdown the group decided to continue working via zoom as it is easier and safer for them to do so. After 4 years the participants decided they needed a challenge, some were more ambitious than others, therefore they devised a project which enabled people to be involved at a level comfortable for them. For some this was through weekly class and trying some of the new movements, whilst four women embraced the opportunity and became full members of the artistic team. They created their own movement, shaped it through choreography to bespoke music, composed for them by a professional musician, who took their stories and movement as her inspiration. They shared their dances with members of the Tuesday Flourish group, a group of older women who, although not all experienced dancers, like to move. They in turn created their own version of each dance before everyone was filmed and the footage edited into one film.

A co-created project where participants moved from being shy and nervous about being involved to expressing clear artistic decisions how they wanted to be portrayed in the film. As one participant said “Thank you for believing in us and taking us on a journey we would have never thought possible”.

Hull Dance has recently launched The Flourish Centre and Wellbeing Hub which is an exciting new partnership venture with the HICA Group. The Centre will enable them to develop their Flourish programme specialising in developing wellbeing through creativity, with particular reference to movement and dance with older people and those living with underlying health conditions. Opportunities will be offered to members of the community as well as staff and service users of HICA, building on, and extending, the existing Flourish programme, an example of which is the recent I like to move; I move what I can film project

Hull Dance originated as a dance development initiative in Hull City Council. It now is a CIC and continues to work closely with the Council. It is part of an innovative partnership approach between a not-for-profit independent specialist dance organisation and Hull City Council Arts Development team. Hull Dance brings an informed dance voice to the arts team working with them to lead a citywide strategic approach to dance, delivered by multiple stakeholder organisations. Hull Dance also undertakes action research and builds programmes to fill identified gaps in provision. For the last two years the main focus has been on bridging the gap between arts and health/care sectors.

Discover! Creative Careers Week

Support children and young people to connect with creative careers (18th – 22nd November)

This month, HEY Creative is kickstarting Hull and East Yorkshire’s engagement in Discover! Creative Careers, a government-funded initiative to champion creative careers to children and young people.

As part of its commitment to supporting an inclusive arts and cultural sector across the region, HEY Creative is leading a creative careers awareness campaign from the 18-22nd November 2024 to align with Discover! Creative Careers Week.

This is a national week of focus where each year thousands of young people get to connect with creative careers through resources, activities in their schools, communities and online.

This will be the first time Hull & East Yorkshire as a region has taken part in Discover! Creative Careers, working in a joined-up way to respond to the specific creative career needs and interests of children and young people.

They know, from a recent Careers Student Voice report, that young people in Hull & East Yorkshire don’t feel confident about exploring a creative career.

But they also know that arts and culture can offer a great career right here in our region – and that non-creative businesses need a future workforce that can embrace creativity to solve problems, communicate effectively and innovate.

Can you help us champion creative careers from 18th – 22nd November?

Here’s some ideas how…

Register your interest in Discover! Creative Careers Week

2. Add a creative careers angle to upcoming planned activity

You might be able to incorporate a creative careers activity into an existing upcoming activity, such as your weekly youth theatre.

3. Share existing creative careers resources you have

Have you created free-to-access lesson plans, videos or resources that can support young people to learn about your industry? Share them with your contacts or on social media to get involved!

4. Support the campaign

Creative careers are fulfilling, meaningful and vital to all parts of the economy – but they’re currently not being valued properly.

Could you write a blog, share a short video message or use the Discover! Creative Careers toolkit to share your support for the campaign.

What else is happening in Hull & East Yorkshire for Discover! Creative Careers Week?

Alongside encouraging arts and culture organisations to showcase opportunities and resources that will support children and young people to connect with creative careers, HEY Creative is:

Connecting with educational professionals to champion creative careers and get involved with activities and resources
Urging non-creative businesses to champion creative careers and creative skills – every non-creative business needs creative skills and those with creative careers e.g. graphic designers!
Shouting loud in the press and public about the importance of creative careers, including by delivering 10 inaugural Creative Careers Showcase Events in specifically selected schools across the region, in collaboration with Generation Hull and East Riding Cultural Education Partnership

Next Steps

They hope you can get involved in Hull & East Yorkshire’s first foray into Discover! Creative Careers Week using the ideas shared above.

If you have any questions or need any further support about the national initiative, you can reach out to Discover! Creative Careers here.

If you want to connect with HEY Creative, who are spearheading Hull & East Yorkshire’s involvement in the programme, you can reach out to info@hey-creative.co.uk.

If you don’t know HEY Creative, it’s a partnership to support the arts and culture sector in Hull & East Yorkshire to thrive – find out more on the website.

Hull celebrates 730 years of fair fun.

One of Europe’s largest travelling fairs will return to Hull this week for its 730^th year.

Opening this Friday (4 October) and taking over 16 acres of Walton Street car park, Hull Fair boasts attractions from across the country. This year there are more than 300 attractions from rollercoasters and white-knuckle-rides to hook-a-duck, along with over 80 rides for children including trampolines, fun houses, helter skelters and mini versions of the teenage rides such as mini Miami, mini waltzer and jumping jack.

The fair will be officially opened at 4pm by Lord Mayor, Councillor Mark Collinson, with the ringing on the bell on showman Mr WH Clark ride Waltzer XL.

Lord Mayor, Cllr Mark Collinson said: “Over 700 years, the fair has only ever got bigger and better, still drawing in crowds from far and wide.

New food and drink offers for this year include woodfired pizzas, crumble & custard, Korean corn dogs and garlic mushrooms.

For thrill-seekers, new large rides for this year include a Starfighter and Project X Ride.

For those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground there are in excess of 100 stalls offering games such as bingo, hook-a-duck and darts.

The fair will run until Saturday 12 October (closed Sunday 6 October) and opens from 2 – 11pm daily (from 12noon on Saturday).

A number of road closures and parking restrictions will be in place from 2 October. They can be found here.

Limited parking is available within the MKM Stadium carpark, charged at £6 per car.

Additional Hull Fair buses will be operating as well as park & rides from Priory Park and Humber Bridge carpark.

For further information about bus services and ticket prices, check out these handy guides from Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire Buses.

Everything happening in Hull for Black History month

Hull is gearing up for an exciting array of events to celebrate Black History Month in October 2024, with a rich focus on cultural, historical, and artistic expressions. A highlight of the festivities is the Sound of Our Skin Festival, which spans several impactful events showcasing the powerful influence of Black culture, particularly through music and storytelling.

One of the key events includes “Stolen From God,” a compelling musical performance that explores England’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. This evocative song cycle, performed by Reg Meuross, features traditional African instruments and narration by writer Jeffrey Boakye. It’s set to take place on October 6 at the Streetlife Museum, providing an intimate atmosphere to reflect on these heavy themes.

Also featured is DJ Alen Allaw, whose energetic mix of Afrobeat, Amapiano, and global sounds will bring modern African grooves to Hull on October 5. Alen’s ability to fuse various musical styles ensures a lively experience for attendees, whether on the dance floor or simply enjoying the ambiance.

Another highlight is “Who’s Fight?” by YxngMind, a live performance inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s 2016 Grammy performance. This emotionally charged event delves into the journey of confronting racism and becoming an active ally. This performance will allow the audience to feel the artist’s personal experience in a powerful, live narrative(

In addition, the Echoes of Our Heritage exhibition, running from October 4 through January 2025, will be an artistic exploration of the deep connections between Black music, identity, and culture. Through this, the festival celebrates the enduring impact of Black musical traditions, from African roots to global modern influences.

With a mix of performances, music, and thought-provoking exhibitions, Hull’s Black History Month will be a meaningful reflection on both the past and present contributions of Black culture to the world.

Coldplay Coming to Hull August 2025!

Coldplay just announced August 2025 shows at London’s Wembley Stadium and Sewell Group Craven Park Craven Park Stadium. These are the only UK/European cities Coldplay will perform next year.

Fans can get exclusive first access to tickets by ordering the band’s upcoming new album, Moon Music (landing October 4) from the official Coldplay UK or EU Stores – head to store.coldplay.com for more info and to purchase, before 11.59pm BST on Tuesday.

All those who have already pre-ordered the album from the Coldplay UK or EU Stores will automatically be eligible for the presale, which begins on Thursday, September 26 at 9am BST.

The general sale will take place at 9am BST on Friday, September 27.

AUGUST 2025

18 – Hull, Craven Park Stadium
19 – Hull, Craven Park Stadium

22 – London, Wembley Stadium
23 – London, Wembley Stadium
26 – London, Wembley Stadium
27 – London, Wembley Stadium
30 – London, Wembley Stadium
31 – London, Wembley Stadium

10% of the band’s proceeds from the Wembley and Hull shows will be donated to Music Venue Trust, to help fund their vital work supporting grassroots UK venues and upcoming artists.

In a world first for a stadium show, the band have also pledged to power the Wembley concerts’ production with 100% solar, wind and kinetic energy.

A limited number of Infinity Tickets, priced at £20 per ticket, will be made available for the shows via Ticketmaster at 12pm GMT on Friday, November 22.

Coldplay FAQs are available here.

Top 10 Activities in Hull for an Absolutely Amazing Autumn!

After a Summer that many of us thought would never end, it would seem that Autumn is finally upon us, with its red, orange and brown hues, soggy socks and a perpetual hint of pumpkin spice.

But just because the heat might have gone, doesn’t mean that the good times have! Check out our recommendations below for everything you can do over this Autumn in Hull!

Hull Fair!

Touching down from the 4^th – 12^th October, Hull Fair is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe with over a massive 250 rides and an array of attractions! We’ve all got fond memories of dodgems, waltzers, burgers and hotdogs, and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Get down and hook a duck the first chance you get!

Street Food!

Still hounded by hunger after all that fair food talk? You needn’t wait that long, as we’ve still the last Street Food Night of the year to go in Zebedee’s Yard on September 19th! Beyond that, we’ve still got you covered with the fantastic selection of food stalls over at Trinity Market, and even better you can enjoy free live music there every Thursday from 6pm with the cracking Trinity Live nights!

Hull-oween!

The spookiest of seasons is here, and with it brings some top-notch parties! From some enthralling Ca-boo-ret over at O’Rileys and antics at The Old School House, to the SO FETCH 2000’s Welly Party, to Cherry’s stand out drag show with the one and only Anna Phylactic, the only issue you’ll have is trying to keep your socks from getting blown off!

If you’re looking for more of a spook than spooktacular, why not check out a bone-chilling production of Frankenstein at Hull Truck, or The Room Upstairs over at Burton Constable Hall. Or maybe you’re the one who’s looking to spook? Why not check out this SFX Halloween Makeup workshop with the fab folks over at Studio Muse in that case!

And last but by no means least, who could forget the stellar Hull Horror Fest over at the Costello Stadium? Comic-con meets horror? Yes please!

Hull Jazz Festival!

Let’s be honest, Christmas is going to be hectic. It always is, kids running around your feet, and everyone always knowing their own way that the turkey just HAS to be cooked…

This is why it’s important to take it easy sometimes, and take a load off before things get crazy. What better way to kick back and relax than with some soothing tunes from the Hull Jazz Festival from the 9th – 23rd November? With Hull Truck, Polar Bear, Albermarle Music Centre and Pearson Park on the venues list, and an absolutely cracking list of artists involved it’s definitely not one to be missed! You can check out the full schedule here!

Walks and Trails!

Sometimes there’s nothing better than feeling the crisp crunch of a leaf underfoot, so why not take the chance to explore some of our terrific trails this Autumn? From the ever-popular Fish Trail, which will have you track fish carvings across Hull, to the brand new Reveal Hull: Diamond Life trail taking you through 60 years of Hull Musical history all narrated by Hull’s very own Lucy Beaumont! Or even better, whilst you’re out early Christmas shopping, we’ve a stupendous Ale Trail you can get stuck in with! Make the most of our beautiful walking city!

Markets!

We’ll try to limit using the ‘festive’ word too much in this article (we’ve already used it twice) but why not get ahead of the curve by gift shopping at some of our terrific independent markets coming this season? With the Good Things Markets, to Craft and Flea, and even the Hull Green Fair, you’re bound to find that special gift for someone you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Why buy big brands when you can buy local?

Hull Comedy Festival!

Hull’s hilarious comedy festival returns for 2024! From 29 Oct – 17 Nov, you can expect to find all sorts of shows ready to have you rolling in the aisles! From Live at Connexin, hosted by none other than Chris Ramsay, to the likes of Maisie Adam and Gail Porter, to the many Hullarious Fringe shows, you’ll be waking up in ER with a terrible case of chronic tickled funny-bone in no time! Check out the full schedule here!

Dancing!

Or maybe you’re just really in a mood to get your groove on this Autumn… Great news! With Connexin Live’s Hacienda ready to stir up some motion in your ocean, alongside these two Silent Discos, you’ll be headbanging, jiving and boogying on down. And best of all, they won’t double the price whilst you’re queuing for tickets! (We hope!)

Family Fun!

Still not enough? Wanna dance still but worried about what the little ones will get up to? Why not bring them along! With Raver Tots and the Big Fish, Little Fish, Family Rave! you can get groovy without worrying if the babysitters eating all your food! Maybe now’s the perfect time to teach your kids how to properly throw shapes!

You’ve also A Great Halloween Adventure over at Hull Truck for 3 – 6 years olds for the little crafters out there, Dinosaur World Live at Hull New Theatre and Amazing Animals at Hull Truck for the intrepid explorers, and finally Milkshake! Live for all your family friendly favourites!

Don’t forget you can learn about our city’s history and heritage in one of Hull’s museums, where a day out won’t break the bank, as admission is FREE!

Climb aboard at the Streetlife Museum Of Transport and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the past, experience 200 years of transport history as you walk down a 1940’s high street, board a tram or enjoy the pleasures of our carriage ride.

At the Hull & East Riding Museum, you can journey through 235 million years of history. From a face-to-face encounter with a woolly mammoth to appreciating the beauty of the stunning mosaics within a Roman bathhouse, the museum displays show what it would have been like to live in the region throughout time.

Celebrate the legacy of Hull’s most famous son William Wilberforce (MP and champion of the abolitionist movement) at his birthplace Wilberforce House.

Green (For Now) Spaces!

Finally, what sort of autumn list would it be without a roundup of the best places to see the leaves change? From the picturesque pagoda in Pearson Park, to the fantastic Animal Education Centre in East Park, to the Aviaries of West Park and Pickering Park, your only task will be keeping your eyes on the leaves long enough!

There’s always something going on in Hull, so make sure you keep up with all the top notch events through our website. And as always, have a fantastic Autumn this year!

Connexin Live Unveils New Premium Live Lounge

Connexin Live, Hull’s premier live entertainment venue has opened its brand-new Live Lounge.

This exciting addition to the venue’s premium offering has been designed to offer an unrivalled experience for guests as Connexin Live continues to enhance its offering, ensuring every visit is truly unforgettable.

Live Lounge redefines the entertainment experience for guests, providing an exceptional experience throughout the night. Following extensive redevelopment, the £220,000 creation of the Live Lounge represents the biggest investment in Connexin Live since the venue’s opening in 2018.

The Live Lounge formally opened to the public at Tuesday’s sold out performance by Scottish band Texas.

Fans can upgrade their ticket to include Live Lounge access, or celebrate a special occasion by booking a Live Lounge Luxe package for upgraded premium auditorium seating and food included.

Arriving via a dedicated VIP entrance, guests will beat the queues with seamless and hassle-free entry. Thanks to priority, fast-track access to the venue Live Lounge bookers will have time to soak up the atmosphere in the new private bar, with an elevated selection of premium beers, spirits, and cocktails, and complimentary bar snacks served upon arrival. With its own cloakroom and merchandise reception, fans can relax in the Live Lounge without needing to visit the venue’s main concourses.

The creation of the Live Lounge sees Connexin Live boasts a brand new dining experience in addition to the current venue restaurant. Dining at the Live Lounge includes a multi-course, small plate menu served pre-show.

Guests can enjoy exclusive live performances and DJ sets at select events, for an extra layer of entertainment before the show. As the lights come down, guests can make their way to some of the best seats in the house with luxury high-back seating providing panoramic views of the stage.

Sam Ryder, General Manager at Connexin Live, said: “This is a significant investment to improve the customer experience at Connexin Live and I am excited to build on the success we have seen with our on-site restaurant.

“Connexin Live continues to be a huge success, bringing huge names to Hull. With Texas, Paul Smith and Paul Weller amongst the artists coming to the venue this Autumn we are looking forward to welcoming more people to elevate their experiences at the venue.”

Comedians Paul Smith, Paddy McGuinness and Jason Manford are amongst the artists due to perform at Connexin Live later this year. Paul Weller, astronaut Tim Peake and the iconic Lulu are also set to visit the venue in 2024.

Live Lounge tickets are now available for all shows. Email hull@eu.asmglobal.com for more details.

Counter Terrorism Security Guidance for Events

In light of the recent foiled plot against a Taylor Swift concert in Austria, The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has bundled relevant Protective Security guidance for use by attendees, staff and organisers of public events. Please see below for links:

Keeping everyone safe at events | ProtectUK

Videos:

Guidance:

Gig Buddies Hull and East Yorkshire celebrates after receiving National Lottery funding

Gig Buddies Hull and East Yorkshire is celebrating after being awarded over £230,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work with adults with learning disabilities for the next 3 years. The project, based in Hull, will use the money to expand their team and match more gig buddy pairs to go to local gigs throughout Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire.

Gig Buddies Hull and East Yorkshire has been running since 2019 and has been hosted by the charity, Hull Red since 2022. Gig Buddies was first founded by the charity Stay Up Late in Sussex. The scheme matches up a person with a learning disability and a volunteer around mutual interests building life-long friendships.

Over 80% of young people with a learning disability want to go to more gigs, 56% said that they would be more likely to go to gigs if staff understood more about learning disability. Sadly, 1 in 4 have been bullied by members of the public at gigs and 1 in 3 are afraid of staff at music venues. Gig Buddies aims to change this.

Emily Clixby, Lead of Gig Buddies Hull and East Yorkshire says: “We’re super excited that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the work of Gig Buddies Hull and East Yorkshire. Now, thanks to National Lottery we will be able to grow a team, match more pairs and host more inclusive gigs as well as supporting our local venues reach diverse audiences.”

The National Lottery Community Fund recently launched its strategy, ‘It starts with community’, which will underpin its efforts to distribute at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding by 2030.

As part of this, the funder has four key missions, which are to support communities to come together, be environmentally sustainable, help children and young people thrive and enable people to live healthier lives.

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. Thanks to them, last year (2023/24) The National Lottery Community Fund awarded over half a billion pounds (£686.3 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK, supporting over 13,700 projects to turn their great ideas into reality.

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk

Freedom Festival 2024 – A Cultural Extravaganza in Hull

Hull is set to come alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the Freedom Festival 2024, running from 28th August to 1st September. Organised by the Freedom Festival Arts Trust, this year promises an extraordinary lineup of events and performances that celebrate the rich tapestry of human experiences through art and culture.

With over 30 live performances scheduled across the city, the festival offers a diverse array of activities suitable for all ages and interests. Plus, the Zebedee’s Yard Music Stage, featuring some of Hull’s freshest talent emerging from Warren Records.

Attendees can look forward to a mix of ticketed and free performances. Notable shows include “Eternity” by C!rca at Hull Minster, “Univers” and “Bob Marley for Babies” at Hull Truck. Community-involved performances like “Pram People” in Trinity Square, “CODE” in Zebedee’s Yard, a performance exploring themes of county lines, and “PAN ~// CATWALK,” which delves into clothing and identity. Local treasures, Tamar & Jo will present “Synch of Swim,” while “Beats Bus” and “Bench Invasion” invite public interaction. The Wilberforce Institute will host an exhibition titled “Uncovering Modern Slavery.”

Continuing from last year’s success, the festival will also feature the “Freedom On Tour” event in Bridlington on 30th August, providing free cultural entertainment by the seaside.

Jo Hawkes, Interim CEO and General Manager of Freedom Festival Arts Trust, emphasised the festival’s focus on societal issues: “As ever, Freedom Festival will focus on issues that affect our society. ‘CODE’ offers a look inside County Lines, exploring organised drug and crime gangs. ‘Taking the Knee’ shows solidarity with racially marginalised communities. With ‘Freedom Talks,’ we have partnered with criminologists at the University of Hull to explore whether our work influences perceptions of social issues.”

The festival’s commitment to accessibility is evident, with all outdoor events being free, ensuring that culture remains accessible to as many people as possible. Iconic locations such as Museum Gardens, Princes Dock Street, Queen Victoria Square, Zebedee’s Yard, and Hull Truck will be transformed into lively hubs of creativity, hosting a diverse array of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.

For more information and ticketing details, please visit the Freedom Festival website.

New immersive audio walk to take visitors through 60 years of Hull music history

Grab your headphones! A free guided audio tour of Hull’s incredible music history, narrated by comedian Lucy Beaumont, is now live.

‘Diamond Life’ offers over 60 minutes of discovery into Hull’s rich music past, guided and narrated through iconic sites, including Humber Street and Queen Victoria Square, by well-loved Hull comedian and actor Lucy Beaumont.

The work includes many of Hull’s legendary voices talking about life in the city, including some of Hull’s finest musicians such as Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals); folk legends Eliza and Martin Carthy; and industrial music pioneer Cosey Fanni Tutti, with a strong focus on women in music.

In addition to the trail, the Reveal Hull website includes the full interviews and biographies with each artist featured on ‘Diamond Life’.

Along the walk, listeners are encouraged to look out for the 10 orange ‘Reveal Hull Way Points’ with bonus content, such as original artwork, depicting historical moments from Hull’s history, just a QR code-scan away.

As well as Diamond Life, listeners can also listen to the full interviews with all the musicians from the comfort of their own front room.

Diamond Life also includes an archive interview with Mick Ronson, the guitarist known for working with David Bowie on Ziggy Stardust. There are also interviews with Cosey Fanni Tutti, the musician in the avant-garde group Throbbing Gristle who lived in a squat on Prince Street, and:

Roland Gift from rock group Fine Young Cannibals
Folk stars Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy, who talk about the iconic Blue Bell pub
Electronica group Fila Brazillia on making club night history in Hull
Lynda Harrison from one of the original girl groups, Mandy and The Girlfriends
Up and coming Hull musicians Jodie Langford, a spoken word artist, and young garage / punk group Wench.

Ultimate Go Karting Tournament to support Cash4Kids

To celebrate its rebrand, Hull Adventure Centre has teamed up with Cash4Kids for a fantastic team karting challenge next month.

The centre on Poorhouse Lane in east Hull has brand new signage and has launched a new online booking system, making it easier and simpler for customers to book activities.

Hull Adventure Centre, in partnership with D.M. Keith Ltd, will be hosting The Ultimate Go Karting Tournament in support of Cash4Kids Mission Christmas, which includes a £500 cash prize.

There are 72 places available on a first come, first serve basis, with all profits going to Cash4Kids.

Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “Hull Adventure Centre has proven very popular since it launched in the spring.

“The rebrand looks fantastic and I’m delighted that customers will now find it simpler and easier to book online.

“To support a great cause such as Cash4Kids as part of the rebrand is amazing and I have no doubt that The Ultimate Go Karting Tournament will be a great spectacle.”

The event, sponsored by Easy2Trade, will take place on Saturday 7 September between 6-10pm.

Four groups of up to 18 racers compete in a 10-minute qualifying session followed by a 20-lap race.

The top two from each group will compete in a final 10-lap race to determine the winner of each group.

Entry fee is £50pp and entries close on Saturday 31 August.

To enter, please email cash4kidstournament@outlook.com or call 07572745058.

New social media campaign aims to grown Hull’s dance audience

A new social media campaign will bring together lovers of dance to find out events and opportunities happening across Hull.

Discover Dance will showcase all things dance; with venues, shows, programmers and artists, meaning Hull’s dance scene will be connected in one place.

On Wednesday 24 July social media channels will be flooded with Discover Dance content, encouraging lovers of dance to get involved and share the exciting programme of dance happening now across the city. The branded programme will also be available on Culture Hull, a platform created by Hull City Council in collaboration with, and for, the city’s cultural sector and communities.

Hull City Council’s Arts Development team has been working with Hull Dance, Hull Truck Theatre, Hull New Theatre, Back to Ours and Freedom Festival to talk and programme dance across venues and festivals in the city.

Cllr Rob Pritchard said: “Discover Dance is a fantastic opportunity for dancers and lovers of dance to come together and find out about the amazing dance events and opportunities happening across Hull.

“I would encourage those with an interest to join the social media campaign and help to share the fantastic programme of dance we have.”

Discover Dance is supporting the council’s strategic dance development plans to create a dance ecology in Hull with a particular focus on young people’s opportunities, audience and programme development and artist development.

For more information, visit Discover Dance or Culture Hull and follow social media accounts.

International Choir Competition to return to Hull

Following a successful event in 2023, Hull will again play host to INTERKULTUR’s prestigious International Choir Competition in 2025.

Returning in May, the large-scale event is expected to, once again, attract over 1,000 individuals worldwide from participating choirs.

The event will include an opening and closing ceremony, and throughout the five days multiple choir competitions, pop-up concerts, and individual coaching sessions available.

Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured the International Choir Competition again for 2025.

“2023’s resulted in an economic impact of around £1.9million, with audiences of over 7,500 and 560 local choir participants bringing areas to life with live singing over five days.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming competitors to the city next year and hearing what they have produced for the 2025’s contest.”

INTERKULTUR President, Günter Titsch, said: “After the resounding success of our first edition in 2023, I’m delighted that we have the fantastic opportunity to return to your wonderful city next year.

“The inaugural event brought together 1,200 singers for an exciting experience, and with the excellent cooperation of our partners, I’m confident that the second edition will be even more remarkable.”

We look forward to reuniting to celebrate music and fellowship in the vibrant atmosphere of Hull.

For more information visit the INTERKULTUR website.