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

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.

Enter our competition to win tickets to Live From The Yard!

Introducing Live from the Yard, a new live music event hosted in Zebedee’s Yard, running over four days between August 8th and 11th. This event will see up to 16,000 music fans come together in Hull City Centre, each day offering a range of different artists, from Hull’s very own Calum Scott to Ministry of Sound, bringing a classical twist to some well-known dance hits. With over 15 acts hitting the stage, giving first-class performances, there’s something for everyone.

The event will take place at the newly renovated Zebedee’s Yard, a hidden gem in the heart of Hull’s Old Town. More than just a car park, Zebedee’s Yard also plays host to events of all different types, including music, making it the perfect venue for Live in the Yard.

Live from the Yard opens each day at 5:30 pm and finishes at 11 pm. The event is suitable for all ages, but it is advised that any under 14’s be accompanied by an adult.

Not only do you get to experience incredible live music, but you also get to indulge in local food and drink, which will be available from vendors throughout the event.

Don’t miss out on one of the events of the summer in Hull. For more information about Live from the Yard, including where you can secure your tickets, head over to their official site here.

Fancy being there yourself? We are running a competition in which you could win one of three pairs of weekend tickets so you and another person of your choice can be part of this great music event! Click here to enter

Up, up and away! New space-themed hub for Prospect Shopping Centre receives Levelling Up backing

Families will soon be able to enjoy an inter-galactic experience in Hull as a new space-themed venue is coming to the Prospect Shopping Centre.

Hull City Council has granted £158,044.50 to Roman Adventures Limited, trading as Little Astronauts, for a facility on the top storey of the shopping centre.

The funding has come from the council’s government-backed Levelling Up Fund and will transform the neglected area into a space-themed play and educational hub which will be supported by a food and beverage offering.

Almost 700sqm of unused floor space will be brought back into use, whilst 13.5 full-time equivalent jobs will be created.

The award is being match-funded by Roman Adventures Limited, meaning more than £150,000 of private capital will also be invested into the city centre.

Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This is an exciting project, one that will no doubt provide endless fun for families in Hull.

“There is nothing like this in the area, so for the council to be able to support bringing to the city centre is fantastic and is another great example of the potential which LUF helps to unlock.”

Levelling Up Funding to support city centre Wendy’s with dozens of new jobs

An empty unit in one of Hull’s busiest streets is being brought back into use thanks to support from Levelling Up Funding (LUF).

Square Burgers Limited has been awarded £200,000 from Hull City Council’s government-backed fund.

Trading as Wendy’s fast-food restaurant, the recipient will occupy Unit 1 of Grade II listed King Albert Chambers on Jameson Street in the city centre.

The funding will support the introduction of 48 full-time equivalent jobs and will also help to bring back into use 350sqm of unused floor space.

The total project costs are estimated at £1,170,565.18, meaning almost £1 million of private capital is being invested into Hull city centre.

Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “LUF is all about filling empty units in our city centre and creating new jobs, and this is exactly what this latest grant award does.

“Wendy’s has already invested heavily into Hull with its other restaurants and it’s great that this Levelling Up Funding can support it doing likewise in the city centre.”

In the last year, Wendy’s opened stores at Kingswood and Bilton.

First PlayZone sites confirmed for Hull

Bude Park and East Park have been confirmed for PlayZones in Hull.

The PlayZone at Bude Park is part of wider regeneration works on the site, including the installation of new football facilities, pavilion and splash pad.

The provision at East Park will replace the unused MUGA adjacent to Woodford Leisure Centre which closed several years ago and has fallen into disrepair.

The two sites have been chosen following community engagement which took place last year via several in-person information sessions, at which members of the public were invited to have their say.

Primarily funded by the Football Foundation, PlayZones are high-quality facilities offering space for recreational physical activity to encourage people to be active in a variety of sports, including football, netball, rugby, cricket, hockey and basketball.

They are aimed at tackling inequalities in physical activity and align with Hull City Council’s ethos of promoting an active, healthy lifestyle, as well as providing safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities.

Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at the council, said: “This is an exciting development in the PlayZones project.

“The council is aiming to provide provision citywide, so it is pleasing that we have two sites now confirmed and I look forward to seeing them developed.”

Works on the Bude Park and East Park sites are scheduled to begin later this year.

Back to Ours kick start summer with the return of Sharrabang!

The neighbourhood-favourite event, Sharrabang is back, ready to bring a burst of creativity and community to the streets of Hull this weekend!

On Saturday, 6th July and Sunday, 7th July, Back to Ours, a Hull-based Arts Council England NPO charity, will once again transform the city with an open-top double-decker bus filled with surprises and incredible performers. This is a free event, open to everyone – no tickets needed, just come along and join the fun.

What is Sharrabang?
Sharrabang is an extraordinary travelling cabaret-style event that brings the arts to the heart of Hull’s communities. As the vibrant bus makes its way across the city, it will stop at various locations to perform and party, lighting up the streets with a variety of acts including singers, acrobats, poets, and more. This is an event for all ages, guaranteed to bring smiles and unforgettable moments to everyone’s doorstep.

The community-centric celebrations are a collaborative effort and each stop on the Sharrabang route is a mini-event in itself, tailor-made for each neighbourhood.

This summer’s Sharrabang promises to be bigger and better, with a line-up of performers set to amaze and delight. Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time attendee, you can expect a weekend of high-energy performances, laughter, and community spirit.

The Sharrabang will make its way through East Hull on Saturday 6th July and West Hull on Sunday 7th July 2024.

Saturday 6th July – East Hull stops:
11am – 11:30am, Alf Marshall Centre, North Point Shopping Centre, Bransholme
12pm – 1pm, Elmbridge Parade, Annandale Road, Greatfield
1:30pm – 2:30pm, Archbishop Sentamu Academy School Fair, Preston Road
3pm – 4pm, Bilsdale Grove Oval, Southcoates

Sunday 7th July – West Hull stops:
11am – 12pm, Redfern Close Bus Stop, Walker Street, Thornton
12:30pm – 1:30pm, Riley Way Playing Fields, Woldcarr Road
2pm – 3pm, Dodthorpe / Gorthorpe, Orchard Park
3:30pm – 4:30pm, Garrowby Orchard, Derringham

Make this weekend one to remember with Back to Ours – see you at the Sharrabang!

Streetlife Museum shortlisted for national Family Friendly Museum Award

Hull Museum’s Streetlife Museum has been shortlisted for the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award, it was announced today.

Charity Kids in Museums has run a prestigious annual award since 2004, recognising the most family friendly heritage sites in the UK. It is the only UK museum award to be judged by families.

From late March to early June, families across the UK voted for their favourite heritage attraction on the Kids in Museums website. A panel of museum experts then whittled down hundreds of nominations to a shortlist of 18 heritage attractions.

Streetlife is vying against two other museums in the Best Accessible Museum category.

The Best Accessible Museum category celebrates museums making excellent efforts to include families with children or young people who have special educational needs and disabilities.

Shortlisted museums will also be given feedback on how they can further improve their offer for families.

Overlooking the museum gardens, the Streetlife Museum is home to transport and social history collections, as well as hosting a rolling programme of community exhibitions. The museum is always busy with school visits, under fives and over 55s sessions, visits from day centres, as well as events and activities at weekends and in school holidays.

Over the summer holidays, the museum will be visited by undercover family judges who will assess the shortlisted museums against the Kids in Museums Manifesto, a set of guidelines on what makes a great museum visit for all ages. Their experiences will decide a winner for each award category and an overall winner of the Family Friendly Museum Award 2024. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.

Follow the Family Friendly Museum Award on social media by following @kidsinmuseums and #FamilyFriendlyMuseum.

The Family Friendly Museum Award has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England.

For great FREE days out with the kids…It Must Be Hull

For free days out kids actually want to go on, take your pick from a host of free festivals and museums to the fin-tastic Fish Trail. Download the trail online, find the fish and explore the city. Can you find all 41 life-sized fish hidden in Hull’s cobbled pavements, from a tiny anchovy to a 10ft ray?

Take a trip to the Museums Quarter on the High Street where you can take a spin through the ages in the Streetlife Museum or marvel at the giant mammoth at the Hull and East Riding Museum. Not forgetting Ferens Art Gallery which, as well as having one of the finest regional art collections in the country, has an interactive children’s gallery. You can also book FREE tours around these museums! Book y

Hull’s Old Town is a hidden gem. Marvel at the majestic Hull Minster and wander through the nostalgic cobbled streets. Keep the kids entertained by looking up as they go on a treasure hunt down Whitefriargate using the Look Up Trail.

Grab your picnic blanket and dine al fresco in the city centre in the Museums Quarter Peace Gardens or sat alongside Hull Marina. Or maybe bring a towel and let the kids run through the fountains in Queen Victoria Square whilst you relax on a nearby bench.

If it’s fun in the sun you’re after then get some of our FREE events in your diary.

Freedom Festival, 28^th August to 1^st September, Hull’s award-winning international arts festival. Expect crowd-pleasing spectaculars to intimate and thought-provoking performances. Guaranteed to delight family members of all ages!

Pride in Hull, 27^th July, will be blazing rainbows across the city with its annual party including a parade, main stage and family area.

Dino Day, 9^th August, get up close and personal with dinosaurs in Queen Victoria Square as you enjoy face painting, colouring competitions and more.

Medieval Mayhem, 27^th to 28^th August, a weekend of medieval merriment in the Museums Quarter.

Step back in time at Dinostar or journey underwater at one of the UK’s most spectacular aquariums, it’s 20 years since The Deep opened so come party with the penguins. Remember, your day pass is valid for 12 months.

Plus, we’ve got escape rooms, adventure golf, retro arcades and a whole lot more. Find out more here!

New late night bar and restaurant, Iron Lilies announces opening date at Princes Quay

A new late night bar in Princes Quay with stunning botanical, floral decor and a beautiful terrace overlooking the quays, is set to open next month.

Iron Lilies, a 200 seat restaurant and bar which is set to take over Level 2 of Princes Quay will bring a whimsical world of botany with a selection of nature and plant life themes including a real life pond, a private dining room with views across Hull and exquisite dining and drinks under the wisteria.

The concept which has been created by national operators, Tokyo Industries will feature botanical elements which is set to create an inviting atmosphere and transport guests into an ‘outside oasis’ featuring everything found in a floral garden. With features such as a ‘lily pond’, overgrown greenery, giant lily pads, a ‘Greenhouse’ and a stunning terrace, the venue will be open seven days a week serving food, exquisite themed cocktails alongside a high-end wine list.

The menu, which has been carefully curated, will also feature a selection of dishes from ‘the farm’, ‘the ground’ which are all vegetarian and vegan and from ‘the sea’. Dishes across the menu include Cocktail Chorizo Sausages, Wagyu Meatballs, Thai Cauliflower Steak, Salt and Pepper Squid and Thai Scallops.

Three long board sharing options are also available including Butcher’s Block which features a sizzling Sirloin Steak, Wagyu Burgers and Chicken and Chorizo Skewers, the ‘Fisherman’s Platter’ featuring a selection of seafood and Garden Harvest with Aubergine Moussaka, Triple Cooked Garlic Chips and Slow Roasted Leek, suitable for vegans.

The tasty dessert menu features Nutella Bites, a trio of Cheesecakes, a light and airy Lemon Posset as well as a selection of Sorbets. A selection of Gluten Free options will also be available.

Chris Bateson, Operations Director for Tokyo Industries said: “We have been working on the Iron Lilies concept for a long time and wanted to bring something different to Hull. The restaurant & late-night venue has undergone an incredible transformation over the last few months and we hope will prove a popular haunt for residents and visitors. We have breathed new life into a unit that has stood vacant for almost a decade capitalising on a strategic location within the shopping centre.”

The venue will open seven days per week from 11am until late. Food will be served from 11am through to 9pm.

The venue, which will create 70 new jobs, has been developed with a substantial £750,000 grant from the Levelling Up Fund, aiming to revitalize urban spaces and boost the local economy as well as a significant £1.5 million investment from Tokyo Industries.

Tokyo Industries operate 47 sites across the UK and seven sites internationally as well as owning Princes Quay Shopping Centre, the location of Iron Lilies.

The venue will launch on 11th July with a VIP event and be open to the public from 12^th July. Tables can be booked here.

Free family fun as Armed Forces Day celebrated in Hull!

Hull city centre will turn red, white and blue next weekend as Armed Forces Day is celebrated.

Queen Victoria Square will play host to this free event next Saturday (29 June) which promises to have something for the whole family.

Free activities on offer include a climbing wall, Scrapstore craft activities, face painting and balloon modelling. Military attractions will also be on offer alongside a veterans’ marquee filled with representatives from the Royal British Legion, Aden Vets, National Malay & Borneo, Blind Veterans UK, RASC/RCT and Hull Mind.

Musical performances from The 150 Regiment Band and Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force Band will take place throughout the day, with military-style street performers taking to the streets. The Lord Mayor of Kingston Upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Cllr Mark Collinson will also be in attendance.

Kath Wynne-Hague, Head of Culture, Place and City Centre, said:

“Armed Forces Day has so much on offer with something for everyone to enjoy.

“This family event celebrates the important role of the armed forces and provides visitors the opportunity to reflect and thank those who have protected and continue to protect our country.”

Hull’s Armed Forces Day event takes place in Queen Victoria Square on Saturday 29 June, 10am – 4pm. It is free to attend.

Back to Ours brings ‘Junemas’ cheer with the return of the beloved Christmas parade!

It may be summer but Christmas magic is already beginning to sparkle in Hull. Known for delivering outstanding arts and cultural experiences, Back to Ours is thrilled to announce the return of the much-loved Christmas Parade and this years’ festivities are set to be more enchanting than ever.

Today, Tuesday 25 June, marks exactly 6 months until Christmas Day and officially starts the countdown to the most wonderful time of the year with Back to Ours’ special Junemas Parade announcement.

Back to Ours believe in spreading joy and community spirit all year round and ‘Junemas’ is an exciting and unique celebration to remind everyone that the magic of Christmas isn’t just for December.

Igniting the festive spirit this Junemas, a Victorian adventure awaits in Hull City Centre on Tuesday 25 June 2024, when Jerry McBaubles will be spreading Junemas cheer for all to hear. As he searches the streets for a treasured ornament – the missing 2024 Christmas bauble, but this is no ordinary bauble. This is the final piece of the festive puzzle that will bring the magic of the parade to life.

Renowned for its vibrant and interactive displays, the streets and neighbourhoods of Hull will come alive with the charm of Back to Ours’ Christmas Parade this December, where families are encouraged to step outside, celebrate, and engage with the festivities that bring the spirit of Christmas right to their doorsteps.

Louise Yates, Artistic Director and CEO of Back to Ours says, “We encourage people to wrap up, come out, and join in the festive magic – from waving from bedroom windows, to standing at the bottom of the garden with a brew and gathering with friends, family and neighbours – it’s all about getting in the Christmas spirit and bringing people together.”

At the heart of Back to Ours is a commitment to community and cultural enrichment. The Christmas Parade is more than just a festive event; it’s a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and the enduring spirit of the season. Each stop on the Parade route will feature interactive activities, performances, and opportunities for families to create lasting memories together.

Louise continues, “The Parade brings so many elements of Back to Ours together – reaching and engaging thousands of people with a beautiful event that connects on a hyperlocal level, involving our fab Act to Ours drama group together alongside professional performers, and working with Hub members to create small, static events that sit alongside the main Parade route.”

Back to Ours is here to ensure that this festive season is the most magical one yet and invites everyone to join them in celebrating Junemas as the magical countdown to Christmas begins.

The Christmas Parade will wind its way through Hull on an enchanting adventure, Monday 2nd – Thursday 5th December 2024. Keep an eye out on Back to Ours’ website and social media channels for more exciting announcements coming soon.

Hull Comedy Festival announces huge launch event – headlined by comedy superstar Chris Ramsey

Comedy superstar Chris Ramsey will headline a very special launch event for Hull Comedy Festival this November.

The 2024 festival will launch with a special show at Connexin Live, Hull on Friday 1 November, to celebrate their 18th event. It will be the biggest show in the festival’s history.

Chris Ramsey will be joined by Chloe Petts and a number of other to be announced comedians at the launch event, called Live at Connexin. Tickets go on general sale this Friday (28 June).

Hull Comedy Festival has been a mainstay in the region since the first event in 2007. Taking place in November, the festival brings some of the UK’s best comedy talent to multiple venues across the city.

Festival organisers have teamed up with Connexin Live to host a comedy showcase, which will see five top class comedians take to the Myton Street venue’s stage. Chris Ramsey will headline the show, with Chloe Petts hosting proceedings. Other comedians will be announced soon.

Sam Ryder, General Manager at Connexin Live, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Hull Comedy Festival to host the biggest show in the festival’s history. We all still fondly remember the test event held in the summer of 2018 to help get the Arena open and we’re very much looking forward to the festival’s return in November.”

Jed Salisbury, Director of Hull Comedy Festival, said: “l am delighted with our collaboration at Connexin Live. To partner with a venue that injects fresh life into Hull, this partnership presents the festival with a fantastic opportunity to welcome national comedy fans to the city and to bring eyes to grassroots comedy in Hull, encouraging greater support for Hull’s talented comedians.

“We’re excited to host this year’s event at Connexin Live and celebrate the vibrant comedy scene that that is forever growing in Hull.”

This year’s Hull Comedy Festival features shows at venues such as Hull Truck, Hull Comedy Lounge and the Edge Hub in late October and November.

Cheer On Your Team – Euro 2024

The excitement is growing and our city centre is ready to come alive in support of England and all the teams taking part in Euro 2024!

There are so many amazing city centre businesses showing the games and are ready to welcome you with a party atmosphere.

You can find screens showing Euro 2024 games here:

Social

Kicks (Book in Advance)

Yates

Admiral of the Humber

Trinity Market (only showing games with 2pm kick-off)

Come on England – Its coming home!

Rainy Days Out In Hull

We’re not saying it’s definitely going to rain all the way through the autumn and beyond, but just in case, however, here are some of the best activities to see you through the great British weather.

Museums & Galleries:

Learn about our city’s history and heritage in one of Hull’s museums, starting in the Museums Quarter.

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. While visiting the museum take in the fascinating exhibition Lionesses Of Hull, which explore the rich history of women’s football in Hull through the lives of Carol Thomas, England defender from 1974 – 1985 and captain from 1976 – 1985. It will also touch on the life and work of Flo Bilton, also from Hull, co-founder of the Womens Football League who set up the Reckitt & Colman team that Carol played for early in her career (until 23rd February 2025).

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. The Grade I listed building has recently re-opened following major conservation work. This October, during Black History Month the museum will host to Sound Of Our Skin Festival, which spans several impactful events showcasing the powerful influence of Black culture, particularly through music and storytelling (5th -6th October).

Leading artist Deanio X has been commissioned to produce a series of thought-provoking artworks for temporary display at the museum, including To Heal A Butterfly a visual response to the Wilberforce Institute’s research on the ‘Sea Islands & Jamaica’ enslavement records, through a combination of improvisational portraiture, digital animation and sculptural installation (until 31st March 2025)

Ferens Art Gallery has a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by European Old Masters, portraiture, marine painting, and modern and contemporary British art. This autumn enjoy In Living Colour, featuring three exhibitions and a vibrant events programme celebrating untold stories and spotlighting creativity from leading People of Colour in art, music and fashion. Exhibitions featuring artists Nahem Shoa, Desmond Haughton and Deanio X challenge exclusion from the art world and untold stories from history, making the invisible visible whilst Hull’s Black Heritage Collective have developed an exhibition celebrating the transformative power of Black musical traditions. This programme has been co-produced with the artists and local people of colour. (18th October – 26th January 2025).

Regular free guided tours for visitors are will be available from November to book across the museum sites. Find out more here.

Indoor Fun:

Dive into the amazing world of marine life at The Deep, one of the most spectacular aquariums in the UK. Explore the underwater tunnels, meet mesmerizing sea creatures, and even touch some friendly rays. This half-term The Deep introduces Let’s get Glowing, a fun way to discover the deep sea world of bioluminescence (18th October – 3rd November)

Step back in time at Dinostar, Hull’s very own interactive dinosaur museum to see, touch, hear and smell these mighty prehistoric creatures – a must for any dinosaur fan.

Get your game on at Lost City Adventure Golf to test your skills on its two 18-hole indoor adventure golf courses, head to Gravity Trampoline Park for astronomical fun, climb to new heights at Rockcity , strike out at Superbowl Ten Pin Bowling or get your skates on at the Hull Ice Arena, home to the regions only Olympic size ice rink.

If it’s a little ‘escape’ you need why not try the intrigue and puzzlement of one of Hull’s many escape rooms – sure to be a winner with all the family!

Whatever the weather there’s always something fun to do in Hull, while sheltering from the showers!

Artlink Hull to Host ‘Cold Junction’ A Photographic Journey of Chilean Exile in Hull

A new exhibition celebrating the experiences of Chilean refugees will open at Artlink Hull’s 87 Gallery in June 2024. The forthcoming exhibition ‘Cold Junction’ brings together work by Luis Bustamante and Sebastian Bustamante and is co-curated by Tom White.

Luis Bustamante, a Chilean photographer, arrived in Hull with his wife Carmen in December 1974 as political refugees. Their son, Sebastian Bustamante, is a British-Chilean artist, curator, and researcher.

On 11 September 1973, General Augusto Pinochet overthrew Chile’s socialist president, Salvador Allende. The Pinochet regime’s campaign of terror against Allende’s supporters included kidnapping, arbitrary arrests, torture, and executions. In response, international solidarity efforts, including the Humberside branch of the Chile Solidarity Campaign, helped relocate 30 Chilean exiles to Hull, including Luis and Carmen.

While studying at the University of Hull, Luis captured the essence of his new surroundings through photography. His images offer a vivid portrayal of everyday life in mid-1970s Hull, a time of significant social and political change.

To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Chilean refugees arriving in Hull, “Cold Junction” merges Luis’s historical photographs with Sebastian’s ongoing project “El Otoño.” This project, incorporating objects, photographs, and video, delves into Sebastian’s identity as a second-generation exile, honouring those who disappeared, those who stayed, those who left, and those striving for a better future in Chile.

The exhibition will feature a film produced by the gallery, including interviews with the artists and showing how some of the locations in the photographs have changed—or not—over the past 50 years. Artlink has been delivering creative workshops with refugee communities in Hull around themes of home and belonging. These workshops will continue throughout the exhibition and some of the work produced will be displayed at the gallery later in the summer.

E. Books will be at the launch event selling copies of the Cafe Royal Books, which feature Luis’s work from Hull in the 1970s. Luis has also kindly lent the cameras he used to take the Hull photographs.

The archives of the Humberside branch of the Chile Solidarity Campaign are held at the Hull History Centre. On Tuesday, 11th June, in the lead-up to the opening of ‘Cold Junction,’ co-curator Tom White will give a talk at the History Centre. “Venceremos!: the Humberside Chile Solidarity Campaign, fifty years on” will trace the early history of the group, its work to bring political refugees to Hull, and the challenges they faced after they arrived. From 1st June to 1st July, the History Centre Library will also be exhibiting material from the archive, selected by Tom White and archivist Sarah Pymer.

‘Cold Junction’ will launch on Friday, 14 June, 6-8pm and will run until 14 September 2024 in Artlink’s exhibition space, 87 Gallery, open Thursday-Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm .