Free Christmas Parking & £5 Group Bus Tickets For Hull Shoppers

Free Christmas Parking & £5 Group Bus Tickets For Hull Shoppers

To help Hull families with the cost of living this Christmas, Hull City Council is offering free city centre parking and providing funding to cut the cost of bus travel.

Throughout December, shoppers will be able to park for free every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm at the council’s multi-storey car parks on Osborne Street, Pryme Street and George Street. No ticket or purchase is required.

And those who use public transport will not be left off the Christmas gift list, as the council is also subsidising a new Group Day Ticket for travel on Stagecoach and East Yorkshire buses.

Launching on Saturday 10 December, the Hull Card Group Day Ticket will allow a group of up to five people to hop on and off any bus in the city all day.

In the run-up to Christmas, the council will be using existing grant funding to subsidise the cost of the ticket, bringing it down to just £5. The price of the ticket after Christmas will be £13.80.

Additionally, cyclists can make use of bicycle parking in the city centre, including the R-evolution bike hub in Trinity Market and the storage facilities at Hull Paragon Interchange.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Portfolio Holder for Transportation, Roads and Highways, said: “At a time where the price of everything seems to be rising, we’re delighted to be able to offer people a little bit of help with the cost of Christmas.

“To make sure this support reaches as many people as possible, this year we’re providing funding to make bus travel more affordable, as well as offering free parking in our multi-storey car parks.

“We hope this will encourage people to shop locally over the festive period and support our wonderful city centre businesses.”

Ben Gilligan, Managing Director of East Yorkshire Buses, said: “We are delighted to support traders in Hull in the run-up to Christmas with this significantly discounted ticket, which will offer great value for families and groups to travel into the city together.

“At a time when many costs are increasing, we are sure families will appreciate this additional option for making a sustainable travel choice”

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “Stagecoach East Midlands and the Hull Bus Alliance are pleased to be able to offer this new ticket as part of the Hull Card range.

“Daily living costs are increasing for everyone, and Christmas just adds to the pressure. Providing affordable travel for our customers is key as part of our long-term commitment to providing sustainable service across the city.

“This new group ticket will help provide cost-effective travel, and with the support of Hull City Council, it means it can be offered at an exclusive discounted price in the lead-up to Christmas.

“All our Hull Card tickets mean customers can hop on and off any bus in the city to get to where they need to be.”

The new Hull Card Group Day Ticket will be available from Saturday 10 December. For more information on the Hull Card, visit Travel Hull.

The Deep brings Polar Fest to Hull this winter

The Deep is excited to present a winter event, ‘Polar Fest’ in partnership with the British Antarctic Survey and the Scott Polar Research Institute. The event will be a celebration of science and adventure amongst the most extreme elements in the world – the Polar Regions.

Explore the world of polar science including research into topics like the effects of climate change on the Antarctic, plastic in Antarctic oceans, Antarctic food webs, Alien invaders and the history of Antarctic exploration. Find out how researchers live and work in such challenging climates and why the work they are doing is so important, for the planet and all who live on it.

Katy Duke, CEO at The Deep said “We are delighted to be partnering with both the British Antarctic Survey and Scott Polar Research Institute this winter. The Deep is the perfect venue to showcase the fragile Antarctic continent which is so inaccessible yet hugely impacted by the actions of the rest of the world. It’s our opportunity to raise awareness for the ultimate winter wonderland and why it is so important for everyone.”

Make sure you pick up a trail sheet from reception, follow the clues to answer the questions to be in with a chance of winning some polar goodies! Visitors will be able to get hands on and learn real research methods applied by polar scientists and the science of snowflakes. Plus see real stomach content from an Albatross which includes plastics, litter and find out how plastics are effecting the oceans and the species who live in them. Find out how tall you are compared to different species of penguins including an extinct species which was 1.75m tall before warming up with a delicious hot chocolate and a sweet treat.

Continue your journey with a stop by the researcher’s field camp and find out what life is like for a researcher in the frozen Antarctic. Learn about the specialist equipment they take with them from sleeping bags and cooking equipment to different types of clothing to ensure they can survive in one of the most hostile and environments on the planet.

Find out more about the vast array of careers available through the British Antarctic Survey and the diversity of skills required to operate research stations in the Antarctic, from researchers and scientists to plumbers, chefs, cleaners and electricians.

Athena Dinar, who’s head of public engagement at British Antarctic Survey says “Explaining how are frozen worlds are changing in a warmer world is more important than ever before, so we’re delighted to be partnering with the Deep to bring polar science and operations to the general public in the north west.”

Charlotte Connelly, Curator of the Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute stated “We’re excited to be partnering with The Deep to share our polar research and knowledge with new audiences, in Hull, the home city of so many polar explorers, whaling captains and researchers over the last two centuries.”

For more information, please contact Zoe Montgomerie, Head of Communications & Marketing on 01482 381093 or email zoe@thedeep.co.uk

Enter the new year with Hull Truck Theatre to Enjoy Their New Season Productions

Hull Truck Theatre is excited to be kicking off 2023 with their focus to the future with Mumsy, epic adventures with Around The World In 80 Days and some home truths with The Houses Are Sinking (And The Adults Don’t Care). Expect exciting projects with a variety of co-producing partners both nationally and internationally, alongside some great music and comedy shows, shows for all the family and a diverse program of contemporary work in the Godber Studio to keep audiences entertained as we move through the winter and into the much-awaited Summer months.

Janthi Mills-Ward, Executive Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said:

“We are proud of what we have achieved over the last 50 years at Hull Truck Theatre, it’s been an exciting anniversary year which is not over yet. We look forward to our two Festive productions, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Jack, Mum & The Beanstalk’, where both shows will focus on the importance of family and community. We also turn our focus to the future with the world premiere of Hull playwright Lydia Marchant’s brand-new play ‘Mumsy’, which will complete our 50^th year exploring the highs and lows of mother-daughter relationships in a highly entertaining and moving comedy.”

Mumsy (Thursday 2^nd – Saturday 25^th March), will wrap up the 50^th anniversary celebrations at Hull Truck Theatre and what better way to go out with a bang then by showcasing one of Hull’s most exciting new artistic voices. Developed through the theatre’s Grow artist development program, Mumsy will be a world premiere of Hull playwright Lydia Marchant’s brand-new comedy. Kicking off Hull Truck Theatre’s in-house productions, this funny, authentic new play shines a light on three generations of women as they push at their circumstances (and sometimes each other) to let their dreams soar. For fans of A Taste of Honey and Motherland, this warm comedy will celebrate new writing, female voices and continue to champion people from the city of Hull.

Character Rachel might not want to change nappies but that doesn’t mean you can’t! Hull Truck Theatre introduces their second Baby Friendly performance, this time for Mumsy (Fri 10 & Fri 24 Mar 2023, 11am). These performances are aimed at adults with babies under 18 months, making sure that your visit is warm, welcoming and hassle-free as possible.

Bethany Sims, Parent in Hull who attended Ladies Unleashed Baby Friendly Performance, said:

“It’s such a rarity as a new mum to find new activities to do together so this was a real treat!! Having all the necessary baby facilities such as baby changing, feeding areas and a play area available was a massive bonus.”

In co-production with Theatre By The Lake, Hull Truck Theatre invite you transport back to the most exciting age of invention in the playful theatrical extravaganza with Around The World In 80 Days (Thursday 4^th – Saturday 20^th May). Based on the novel by Jules Verne, Director Hal Chambers will bring to life a story that experiences a thrilling journey to faraway lands; by boat, by train by sledge and even by elephant, on an epic whirling adventure of wonder danger and romance! Join the ultimate race against the clock in a bold new production of this much-loved classic tale.

Get Inspired for change by Hull-based playwright and poet Josh Overton with The Houses Are Sinking (And The Adults Don’t Care) (Thursday 30^th March – Saturday 1^st April). Based on the opinions, ideas, and voices of the Young Creators Group – talented theatre makers aged 14-18 at Hull Truck Theatre, this bold, thought -provoking and contemporary theatre will ask ‘why we are planning for the future when the future isn’t going to be there?’ Trapped in a place where the future is uncertain and the present is bleak, how do the young stay optimistic? Join Nora and Donnie on their quest to uncover the town’s biggest secret. Why our town? Why us?

Josh Overton, Playwright, said:

“Super psyched to be working with Hull Truck again, making a show with a gang of funny, creative and talented young people inspired by their ideas. It’s a privilege to create work that speaks to young people’s concerns in a world that’s abandoning them more and more and I’m proud of the funny, weird and emotional play that we’ve built together.”

Tortoise And The Hare (Thursday 16^th – Saturday 18^th February), will bring fun and games to young children age 4+ as they follow the story of these two best friends. Hull Truck Theatre’s popular Great Adventures (Saturday 27^th & Tuesday 30^th May) continues to encourage children aged 3-6 and their families to get creative. Take on pirates. Explore the jungle. Journey across the desert. Both Tortoise And The Hare and Great Adventures will feature an arts and crafts session followed by an interactive performance where the children’s craft items come to life as part of the interactive play. Both experiences will offer a wonderful first theatre experience for young children. Twirlywoos (Thursday 13^th – Sunday 16^th April), with beautifully inventive puppetry and Fireman Sam (Saturday 22^nd July) with more adventures in Pontypandy, both promise afternoons of colourful fun and laughter.

Riksteatern and Matthew Linley Creative Projects will present in association with Hull Truck Theatre the funny new play by Anders Lustgarten: The City and The Town (Friday 10^th – Saturday 11^th February). This uniquely political piece of theatre will bring a fresh perspective to some of the political divides and problems facing our country today.

Dritero Kasapi, Artistic Director, Riksteatern (Sweden), said:

“Having brought Nina a story about me and Nina Simone to Hull Truck I am delighted to be returning, but this time to open Anders Lustgarten’s brilliant new play THE CITY AND THE TOWN. I’m excited that Hull audiences will be the first to see this new work ahead of its UK and Swedish tour and am really looking forward to sharing it with you all”

Oh! What A Night (Saturday 14^th January) starts our season of visiting companies where there are plenty of opportunities to let the music play. For one night only, you can be taken back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Featuring songs such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girl’s Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You! Continue to experience vibrant and authentic music and dance in January with Art of Believing (Friday 27^th January). Promises to be a truly memorable performance, bringing a taste of pure Flamenco and outstanding musicianship to Hull Truck Theatre. The Time of Our Lives (Thursday 2^nd February) invites you to come dressed up as your favourite 80’s character to sing along to an 80’s whirlwind of classic movies and timeless soundtracks! From Dirty Dancing to Top Gun, all the hits are here from your favourite 80s blockbuster movies.

Stand-up comedy to comedy dramas, this season has it all and February has something for everyone to laugh at, starting off the month with four hilarious evenings of entertainment. Lloyd Griffith: One Tonne Of fun (Wednesday 1^st February) starts 2023 with his biggest tour to date. The Noise Next Door: Hometown Heroes (Wednesday 8^th February) returns to spin comedy gold out of all the things that YOU, the live audience, think is the best, worst and downright weirdest things about your hometown. Comedian Richard Stott returns home to Hull, bringing his new comedy show Afterparty (Saturday 11^th February). Packed full of embarrassing anecdotes and acerbic one liners, learn how to be an adult when things haven’t gone to plan, stripping off for a documentary, dating with a disability and a n axe fight…all in one blistering hour. Ladies That Dig (Wednesday 15^th February) will lead us to discover what it means to grow…Collected from real local interviews this moving comedy-drama is a fertile blend of live music, comedy and true tales. Blow Down (Friday 24^th February) is a funny and poignant play based on stories collected from the local community. Marking the recent demolition of the iconic cooling towers at Ferrybridge Power Station, this hilarious, gritty and thought-provoking piece comes from the words of those who lived and worked beneath them.

Have you ever fancied trying your hand at Stand-up comedy? Ever watched a comedy performance and thought you would like to give it a go…now you can. In their final week of Hull Truck Theatre’s Introduction to Stand-Up Comedy course with comedian Kevin Precious, the graduates embark on their first 5-minute sets. Support them in their Comedy Graduate’s Performance (Wednesday 8^th March).

If spoken word and dance is more your cup of tea…I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik! (Thursday 9^th February) combines live music, dance and storytelling as Bobak Champion draws on his identity as a Bristolian, Iranian, Yorkshireman, and Hip-Hop head. Unearthing hidden truths and challenging stereotypes about this conservative yet thriving part of the world. From Hip Hop to the Lindy Hop, take a step back into the 1920’s with Swinging at The Cotton Club (Thursday 16^th February), featuring the Lindy Hop Dance Company and their orchestra, the show celebrates spectacular music and dance, promising a hot night out. Expect more exhilarating Swing from award winning Jazz vocalist and band members, The Clare Teal Four (Saturday 18^th February) with a fabulous new show that celebrates hits from the Great American and British Songbooks. Also performing your favourite Jazz standards, James Hudson (Friday 3^rd March), born and bred in East Yorkshire is a rising star on the UK jazz scene., not to be missed! Tom Dale Company will present a double bill of immersive dance performance with Sub:Version and Surge (Tuesday 18^th April). Presented with Absolutely Cultured, Surge gives life to a future human between the digital and the organic worlds, while Sub:Version explores a hypnotic journey through an array of electronic music.

March and April present famous plays and new recommendations starting with The Island (Saturday 4^th March). This rich, boisterous funny moving piece of theatre is a hymn to the human spirit and a cry for freedom everywhere. The Multi-award-winning, sold-out Fringe sensation Coming Out of My Cage (And I Am Doing Just Fine) (Thursday 23^rd March) is an interactive investigation with karaoke, lip-syncing and absolute bangers that attempts to uncover stories of incredible people – all united by one song; ‘Mr Brightside’. Megson (Thursday 13^th April), create a truly unique brand of folk music, presenting a collaboration between Megson (winners of the Spiral Earth Awards), and playwright Kieran Knowles (Operation Crucible, Chicken Soup). Too Much World at Once (Friday 21^st – Saturday 22^nd April) is a new play by Billie Collins and an urgent coming of age story for our times. Dirty Corset (Friday 28^th April) is about desire, the struggle for freedom and queer love. Set in Yorkshire in 1687, join a company of flea-bitten actors as they try and fail to live up a to their on-stage personas.

Loose yourself in musicals and tap your feet as Hull Truck Theatre presents a variety of musicals and musical shows. Footloose (Wednesday 5^th – Saturday 8^th April), brought to you by the Northern Academy of Performing Arts, this iconic musical, based on the 1984 movie will have you rockin’ out to it’s contagious Oscar and Tony-nominated score, packed full of 80’s hits. Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (Friday 21^st April) returns to Hull for another truly unique evening of smash hit musical comedy. Where audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. One Off Productions return to Hull Truck Theatre with the smash hit Spamalot (Tuesday 11^th – Saturday 15^th July). This award-winning musical based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a genuinely funny, laugh out loud production not to be missed. Rock For Heroes (Friday 21^st July) asks ‘where were you when Bon Jovi was Livin’ on a Prayer? Or when Prince was drenched in Purple Rain? Featuring over 20 classic rock songs this will be the night out that you’ve been waiting for.

You asked for more and so we delivered! Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up (Saturday 22^nd April) presents the return of world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator Simon Brodkin with an outrageous new stand-up show.

The iconic and original Bouncers (Tuesday 25^th – Saturday 29^th April) is also back in town! In John Godber’s outrageous parody of Saturday Night Fever, relive a night in a Yorkshire disco set in the 80’s. Originally premiering at the Edinburgh Festival in 1977, Bouncers is still one of the most performed plays in the UK today. Don’t miss this classic comedy and northern favourite.

The month of May will bring exciting collaborations and co-productions to Hull Truck Theatre. Modest (May – dates TBC), is a collaboration between Hull-based A Middle child and queer led Milk Presents, two award–winning companies. Music Hall, theatre and drag king cabaret erupts as Modest brings you Elizabeth Thompson – megastar of the Victorian art scene. Northern Broadsides revive their hit regency comedy and New Vic Theatre co-production of Quality Street (Wednesday 31^st May – Saturday 3^rd June). With a good helping of Yorkshire wit this delicious farce returns with a mixture of Bridgerton meets Inside the factory.

Variety will be on offer in June and July as Hull Truck Theatre invites you to enjoy the summer with them. Sully (Tuesday 6^th – Saturday 10^th June) tells the unique sand touching story of how Clive Sullivan MBE, a Welshman, came to be the first black person to captain Great Britain in any sport and led them to World Cup Glory. The Gods The God The Gods (Thursday 29^th June) presents 4 stories; 12 tracks; 3 performers; in this perfect piece of gig-theatre that will take you on a euphoric journey of intimacy, death and faith. Justin Moorehouse (Friday 30^th June) is back! Still funny but middle aged, Justin returns with a brand-new show that may contain: Labradoodles. Come, it’ll be fun. Kevin Precious provides a funny overview of the pitfalls and pratfalls of his former profession in The Reluctant Teacher (Thursday 13^th July). Look out for this second top circuit act, making it a lovely double bill of Edinburgh-bound shows. The Very Best of Tommy Cooper (Wednesday 26^th July) will recapture one of the UK’s most loved comedians. The show will include many of Cooper’s beloved one-liners, dazzling wordplay, and celebrated tricks.

Family Open Day returns (Saturday 17^th June), to once again invite audiences to join Hull Truck Theatre and the Albemarle Music Centre for a fun-filled event. Youth Theatre Takeover Week (Tuesday 14^th – Saturday 18^th March) will see 7-18-year-olds from across the city and region take to the stage to entertain, inspire and challenge you. 2023 will also see a refreshed and renewed Grow, Hull Truck Theatre’s artist development programme.

Hull Truck Theatre is proud to screen some of the best art and independent cinema from around the world. In 2023 theatre will present: NT Live: The Crucible (Thursday 26^th January); Royal Opera House: The Barber of Seville (Wednesday 15^th February); NT Live: Othello (Thursday 23^rd February); Silent Cinema (Wednesday 22^nd March); Royal Ballet: Cinderella (Wednesday 12^th April); Royal

Opera House: The Marriage of Figaro (Thursday27th April); and Royal Ballet: Sleeping Beauty (Wednesday 24^th May). Further dates and titles to be announced throughout the season.

For music lovers everywhere, summer will present a variety of shows starting with the world’s leading tribute to Coldplay; Coldplace (Thursday 15^th June). Celebrating one of the most successful bands of all time, this outstanding band will include your favourite hits – Yellow, Paradise and A Sky full of Stars. For all those who dreamed of going to New York’s Studio 54, Disco Inferno (Friday 16^th June) screams glitter balls and good times. The Pasadena Roof Orchestra (Thursday 22^nd June) changes styles for audiences who appreciate the sounds from a golden era. Listen to the Orchestra as they re-create music from the 1920s and 1930s. The Sound of Springsteen (Friday 23^rd June) brings their live performances to rock you with Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hits and deep cuts. With songs including Born In The USA, Glory Days, and some of Bruce’s most recent hits, including Ghosts. Rave On (Saturday 24^th June) features the greatest hits of the 1950s and 60s, from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and many more. Join Alex Voysey Blues Band in their highly entertaining show Old Dogs New Tricks (Saturday 22^nd July), for fans of the Blues, from Robert Johnson to John Mayer. Nick Cope’s Family Show (Friday 28^th July) is a performance of unique songs for children and their families that have been performed for over 10 years. King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys present Good Time Rhythm and Blues (Saturday 29^th July). With nearly 7000 performances across 27 countries under their belt, join the finale of the season with the world’s greatest jump, jive and swing band.

Christmas Events are on the way!!

For merry moments… it must be Hull

Lights… late-night shopping… Santa spotting in Queen Victoria Square… it can all only mean one thing. Festive season 2022 is officially ON! The big switch-on takes place on Thursday 17 November, and we’re spoilt for choice with outdoor spectaculars, festive markets, fun-packed shows and family activities. Here are just a few highlights to get us all in the Christmas spirit. After all, this is where the magic happens…

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

Thursday 17 November 2022, entertainment from 5pm, lights 6.45pm. Free. Queen Victoria Square, Hull.

Five… four… three… two… one… Hull’s own Rugby League World Cup winner Connor Lynes is doing the honours and lighting up Queen Victoria Square in style this year. The Physical Disability Rugby League star who helped the England squad romp to victory against New Zealand in 2022 tweeted, “so proud to have been asked to switch on the Hull Christmas lights”. Everyone’s invited to join Connor, the deputy Lord Mayor, DJ Darren Letham, local performers and a VIP direct from the North Pole, for a night of fun and – weather permitting – fireworks.

Plus: Why not make a night of it?

Pop over to St Stephen’s shopping centre for its Christmas Lights Switch-on with Tribfest for more free entertainment from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday 17 November. With Collingwood Primary School Choir, Carrie Martin and Beautiful South/Housemartins tribute act The Beautiful Couch. And don’t miss: Santa’s Arrival Parade from Hull New Theatre at 11.15am on Saturday 20 November 2022. Free.

FREE FESTIVE FUN

The Magic of Christmas

Saturday 26 November 2022, from 10am to 4pm. Free. Museums Quarter, High Street. Meet magical Christmas characters including the sparkly Winter Fairy and mischievous elves, plus Dickensian characters including Scrooge and Bob Cratchit. There’s also live music, storytelling, face painting, craft activities, food and drink and a Christmas Trail.

Countdown to Christmas

Friday 2 December, from 5.30pm to 8pm. Free. Humber Street and Fruit Market. Fruit Market shindig for all the family. Join a festive dance workshop by Holly Gibbs, be dazzled by Ed Grimoldby’s fire show (as seen in Faustus) and enjoy the festive sounds of All For One Choir, dancing from Kingston Swing and vintage songs from Ruth Getz. Plus, late-night shopping and, of course, Father Christmas.

Victorian Kitsch-mas Market

Saturday 10 December 2022, from 9.30am to 3pm. Free. Trinity Square and inside Hull Minster. Craft, food and gift stalls, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and Victorian-style horse-drawn carriage rides.

PANTO SEASON – OH YES IT IS!

If you only go to one show this season, make it a panto.

Jack and the Beanstalk starring Gareth Gates at Hull New Theatre. Tickets from £17.50 plus booking fees.

Jack, Mum and the Beanstalk at Hull Truck. For ages 3+. Tickets from £10. Pay-what-you-can performance available.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thorngumbald, by Middle Child Theatre Company at Social. Tickets from £12.

For more fantastic family events to help spread a little seasonal cheer, see our full Christmas list.

Hull Comedy Festival comes to Hull Truck Theatre this November

Hull Truck Theatre welcomes Hull Comedy Festival back to its stage as the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary. Presenting some of the best local comedy acts, this year’s line-up includes award winning performers, a family-friendly show, local comedy talent plus touring shows with the hottest talent from the UK comedy festival scene.

The Comedy Festival programme at Hull Truck Theatre will run from Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 November, bringing exciting work to the city and giving audiences the chance to enjoy a variety of fun-filled shows, designed to bring joy, laughter and escapism during a challenging time.

Adam Pownall, Senior Producer at Hull Truck Theatre said:

“Hull Comedy Festival is such an exciting part of Hull’s year, and we enjoy being a venue for the indoor programme and championing new work from our city. I think comedy is needed now more than ever and this is reflected in our audience feedback. People from Hull want to have a good night out, to have a laugh and we hope this programme of shows allows people to enjoy their November with us at Hull Truck Theatre.”

Kicking off the festival is Best of ‘Ull (Wednesday 2 November). A selection of Hull’s comedy talent will return for their annual “Hullarious” showcase in a one-night-only extravaganza, celebrating the city of Hull and reminding audiences that Hull is actually jolly good fun. Hosted by Steve Rimmer, this will be a chance for anyone looking to enjoy a variety of comedy acts in one evening, where you will be able to celebrate the different forms of standup with performances from Lucy Marti, Andy Woolston, Paul Connell, Jed Salisbury, Rosie Francis, Haseeb Malik, Milly Armstrong-Clark, and Rich Austin.

Jack Gleadow: Jack’s Entertainment (Thursday 3 November) sees Jack return to his hometown with more old-school comedy for the modern age. As a Leicester Mercury Champion and multi-award-winner, Jack is in huge demand on the live comedy club scene, performing in top UK comedy clubs such as The Glee Club, Manfords and Just The Tonic. If you missed him at Edinburgh Fringe Festival earlier this year, then make sure you catch this feel-good, funny show which delivers jokes, gags, stories and much more.

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Stand Up for Health Stars comedy event (Friday 4 November) will raise money for local NHS services. A portion of all ticket sales will go directly to the Health Stars charity, which promotes the development of exceptional health and social care services in Hull and beyond. Through their investment in environments, resources, training, and research, they will add that ‘extra sparkle’ to local services and help create meaningful experiences for NHS staff, patients and their loved ones.

Hull’s comedy duo Jeddy Bear & Gary Live (Saturday 5 November) will bring family audiences in Hull a show full of games, music, and dancing. Nominated for ‘Best Kids Show’ at the Leicester Comedy Festival and UK Kids’ Comedy Festival awards, they’ll be full of mischief entertaining the adults as much as the children, with audience participation and pie facing madness.

Pottervision (Saturday 5 November), a show about four performers recreating Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. With audience participation, ridiculous impressions and jokes aplenty, Pottervision is the Harry Potter parody show that has something for everyone. A sell-out at Edinburgh Fringe Festival three years running and a total must-see.

With more songs and the constant threat of audience interaction Sirens (Wednesday 9 November) will close Hull Comedy Festival at Hull Truck Theatre. Let Piscean comedy duo Norris and Parker lure you into their fever dream for a surreal hour of wild, nautical madness. Debauched sketch comedy for lovers of the strange, the sordid, the musical and the dark.

Tickets for Hull Comedy Festival are now on sale and available to buy online: https://www.hulltruck.co.uk/whats-on/

The Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival

The Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival is an ambitious, inclusive, multidisciplinary festival bringing together audiences for sport and art. Taking place in four of the tournament host cities, and across 40 library services reaching deep into the Rugby League heartland towns across the North, the festival will amplify the tournament’s strapline of “The Power of Together” and celebrate inclusivity and positive social impact.

The Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival is directed and produced by Pinwheel and the partners are RLWC2021, Leeds 2023, Newcastle City Council, Hull City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Libraries Connected.

#RLWC #PowerOfTogether #PowerOfPerformance #PowerofPoetry

Power of Performance: This is Us

A spectacular new outdoor performance brings the atmosphere and passion of the Rugby League out of the stadium and onto the streets. All before kick-off.

This specially-commissioned free show, which features dance, music and aerial performance, tells three unique stories about the game and its people, charting how it has evolved from its roots to the sport we see today.

Bringing together passionate fans of sport and art This Is Us celebrates The Power of Together with a central company of professional performers collaborating with a participant cast of local residents.

Power of Performance: This is Us is coming to Hull City Centre on Saturday 22 October. Performance run from 16:00 to 18:00 on a repeating cycle.

Locations: Trinity Square, Zebedee’s Yard & Queen Victoria Square
You can visit any time between 16:00 and 18:00 and experience the three sites in any order.
Performances are free and open to everyone

For more information about the performances visit https://www.pinwheel.org.uk/hull-power-of-performance

Power of Poetry

What magic happens when, instead of writing alone, poets work together?

“I was listening to the Rolling Stones and asking myself what makes the magic, thinking about how the band have a magic electricity together, an elevated energy that they don’t have as solo artists, but how writing together makes magic happen. And I suddenly thought- why don’t poets ever try to write together?” Robert Montgomery

Inspired by the Rugby League World Cup strapline “The Power of Together” artist and poet Robert Montgomery has joined forces with Emergency Exit Arts and eight leading poets, to create four, striking, double-sided light poems.

The impressive new mobile artworks explore themes of inclusivity, the sound of the stadium, the joy of reconnecting through sports post-lockdowns and the dynamic nature of rugby league. Mounted on the back of trailers, the poems will be unveiled at Light Night Leeds on Thursday 13th October before heading to Newcastle City Centre where they will be displayed at the inaugural game of the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday 15 October.

The poems will then journey across the North of England stopping off at locations in and around Rugby League World Cup host cities, from civic squares, to stadiums, libraries to local rugby league clubs.

Can you spot all four of the poems as they make their way around the North this autumn?

The Poets and the Poems

The poets – each with a connection to at least one of the Rugby League World Cup host cities – worked in teams to create the four poems.

Team 1: Shane Rhodes & Vicky Foster with Robert Montgomery

Team 2: Jackie Kay & Zaffar Kunial with Robert Montgomery

Team 3: Louise Wallwein & Jacob Polley with Robert Montgomery

Team 4: Malika Booker & Sinéad Morrissey with Robert Montgomery

For more information about upcoming tour dates for Power of Poetry in Hull, East and North Yorkshire visit https://www.pinwheel.org.uk/pop-hull

Queen Victoria and her relationship with Hull showcased at new exhibition

Queen Victoria’s own Jewel-Cabinet will visit the city as part of a new exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery.

The exhibition is part of an ongoing partnership with Royal Collection Trust, which was generously lent by the late her majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Previously commissioned for 2020 before the pandemic, this revived exhibition will take pride of place throughout autumn and winter at Ferens.

The new exhibition will celebrate Queen Victoria’s relationship with Hull, including her spectacular visit in 1854. It will illustrate Victorian life and Victorian Hull, and the long-lasting relationship the throne has had with the city.

Visitors will get to see King Edward I’s Royal Charter and Queen Victoria’s Letters Patent, on loan from Hull History Centre archives. It will also showcase artworks from across the Ferens permanent collection, with Victorian costume, Queen Victoria’s throne and local artefacts from Hull Museum and Guildhall collections.

Queen Victoria is one of the most recognisable British monarchs and following Queen Victoria’s visit to the city, the monarch became one of Hull’s most recognisable figures. The Queen’s Gardens, Victoria Dock and Queen Victoria’s Square are all local landmarks that bear her name. There’s also the statue of her that stands in the centre of the square itself.

Ferens’ latest exhibition will give a new generation the opportunity to recognise Queen Victoria’s influence on the city and admire one of her most treasured gifts.

Ludwig Grüner’s Jewel-Cabinet marks the fourth of five exceptional works of art from the Royal Collection to go on display at Ferens Art Gallery as part of the Masterpieces in Focus from the Royal Collection series.

The Jewel-Cabinet was an award-winning exhibit at the Great Exhibition of 1851, a celebration of Victorian advancement and cultural sophistication. It was a cherished gift from Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. Since that time, it has been cared for in the Royal Collection and remains a significant royal artefact.

Gilded on every surface, the exquisite Jewel-Cabinet is laden with portraits and medallions bearing the many faces of Queen Victoria’s family. It was this same family that later visited Hull in 1854.

Councillor Alison Collinson, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd, said: “It is fantastic that the gallery continues its ambitious exhibitions programme in partnership with Royal Collection Trust. Visitors will have the opportunity to see some of Hull’s favourite Victorian artworks alongside this masterpiece.”

Kathryn Jones, Senior Curator of Decorative Arts, Royal Collection Trust, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Ferens Art Gallery with the loan of Queen Victoria’s Jewel-Cabinet. This is the fourth masterpiece from the Royal Collection to go on display in Hull since our collaboration began in 2017. The Jewel-Cabinet encapsulates the family life of Queen Victoria but was always intended to be widely seen at the Great Exhibition of 1851. We hope that as many people as possible will once again enjoy the opportunity to view this spectacular object up close.”

There are family activities throughout the school holidays and a programme of adult talks and workshops to complement the exhibition. To find out more about these events visit www.hcandl.co.uk/ferens or book tickets on Eventbrite at www.hullmuseums.eventbrite.com

This free exhibition will run from Monday 21 October 2022 to Sunday 19 February 2023.

The gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm, and Sunday, 11am – 4pm.

Freedom Festival 2022 Attracts Thousands

August saw thousands of people flock to Hull to attend Freedom Festival, a major annual arts festival. The festival was first established in 2007 to mark the 200th anniversary of Wilberforce’s Slave Trade Act 1807 which prohibited the slave trade in the British Empire.

Over 9 days in August, thousands of people travelled to Hull to attend Freedom Festival, a major annual arts festival celebrating Hull’s links with anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce.

The Freedom Festival, which started on 26th August and ended on 4 September, featured street theatre, art and music at various indoor and outdoor locations across the city.

More than 350 individual artists, musicians and creatives performed across the festival and organisers say this brought a more diverse audience to this year’s offerings. European musicians included the drumming band, Drom from Belgium, who performed alongside a roster of local, national and international artists which included French street dance troop, Cie Dyptik who performed in Zebedee’s Yard, near Prince’s Quay Shopping Center.

After these successes, organisers have already confirmed 25th August – 3rd September 2023 as the dates for next year’s festivities.

Celebrating 20 Years of the Deep

This year, Hull’s most popular visitor attraction celebrated its twentieth anniversary. Built on a former shipyard site, The Deep has played a pivotal role in helping to revitalize and regenerate the city, breathing new life into the Humber dock area.

The iconic aquarium overlooks the Humber estuary and is regarded as the most commercially successful Millennium project in the UK. The Deep also operates as an education and conservation charity and has become incredibly influential in global marine conservation, leading discussions to protect our oceans.

Not only has The Deep welcomed millions of families, but it has also played host to countless conferences and meetings in their unique spaces. Delegates have been able to have breakfast alongside the Gentoo penguins and dine under the sharks.

Over the last 20 years it has welcomed almost 9 million visitors through their doors, Crew Members have spent a total of 657,000 minutes spent underwater and The Deep Business Centre has supported the growth of over 180 companies.

Looking forward to the next two decades, The Deep has unveiled plans to update three areas of its Cool Seas gallery after securing a £380,500 grant and is spear heading the campaign to make Hull and East Yorkshire the UK’s first palm oil sustainable region.

Hull Maritime Project

Following on from the successes of 2017, Hull Maritime Project is continuing the regeneration and investment of Hull to confirm the city as a world-class visitor attraction…

Hull Maritime aims to promote and protect Hull’s incredible maritime history, architecture and collections as Yorkshire’s only maritime city.

Telling the story of Hull’s remarkable journey as a global powerhouse for trade and cultural exchange, this project will highlight the city’s connections to the rest of the world through its role as a major port.

Presented across four important sites and two historic vessels, each housing significant collections, they comprise some of Hull’s most precious heritage and together tell stories of invention and ingenuity, perseverance and endurance, triumph and disaster.

The project will also regenerate and re-connect the heart of the Hull to its historic waterfront, the place where the city’s maritime history began.

In Spring 2023, Spurn Lightship will reopen to the public in a new location, following this in summer 2023, the Artic Corsair will welcome visitors onboard the ship-museum and the project will crescendo in 2024 with the grand reopening of Hull Maritime Museum following a major refurbishment.

Autumnal Delegate Experiences

Events and conferences aren’t only about delivering enlightening and informative content. Keep your attendees inspired and involved throughout your conference in Hull with these autumnal inspired experiences.

Ghost Walks

Join local historian and author Mike Covell as he takes you on a ghost walk around Hull City Centre at night, packed with stories, history, anecdotes, and old artefacts of the city.

Hull Minster Dinner

Dine beneath the impressive stained-glass windows and gothic architecture of the 14th-century Hull Minster – which recently hosted the UK Turner Prize award ceremony dinner. The Minster transforms into fabulous banqueting venue, with dinner served in the open space in the Minster’s Nave.

Hotham’s Gin School and Distillery

Create your very own winter warmers! Bring your colleagues or clients for a totally unique, engaging and highly memorable experience at Hotham’s Gin School in the heart of Hull’s city centre.

Distil your own gin with botanicals of your choice, receive expert help in creating your recipe throughout the gin masterclass, taste an array of Hotham’s gins and take home your own personalized and labelled bottle.

Trinity Market

Treat your delegates to a variety of culinary creations in Hull’s oldest, covered, market. Trinity Market is home to a range of local, independent traders.

With around 20 different stalls to choose from, it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone and with communal seating everyone can eat from somewhere different and meet back up to enjoy their meal of choice together.

As well as food, there is also a plentiful drink offering in Trinity Market. From chilled soft drinks to some of the best coffee around and a microbrewery, the indoor food hall is a one-stop-shop for fantastic local food and drink.

Escape Room Hull

Escape Room Hull can accommodate groups of up to thirty-two people across 5 escape rooms.

Escape rooms can help to build key skills within your team, such as collaboration, communication, decision making, problem solving – and stamina! They can also be a good way for a team to rehearse its response to high-stakes situations and challenging times.

Escape rooms make for the perfect team building activity. Teamwork, communication and attention to detail are all vital if you and your team are to be successful in escaping.

Countdown to Rugby League World Cup

Hull is a city with a rich rugby history, with Rugby League teams on either side of the city- Hull KR and Hull FC. This will be strengthened further in Autumn with Hull hosting a variety of events for the Rugby League World Cup. This October and November, The MKM Stadium will host two men’s games, including a quarter-final, and a women’s group game. The city will also be the team base for the Fiji Men’s Team.

Keep your eyes peeled for additional events across the city like the arrival of the three trophies and Rugby Laegue World Cup Cultural Festival which will bring together audiences of sport and art to showcase the history and atmosphere of the highly anticipated tournament.

Funeral of Her Majesty the Queen to be screened in Queen Victoria Square

Following the very sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, many people are reflecting on her lifetime of service and dedication to her country.

On Monday 19^th September, Hull City Council will be providing residents and visitors to Hull with the opportunity to come together in Queen Victoria Square to watch her state funeral, share in their grief and pay their respects.

A 20-metre screen will be installed on the balcony of Hull City Hall to broadcast the proceedings from 9.00 am onwards.

The screen will show coverage from the BBC live from London and limited seating will also be available.

For a city brimming with possibilities…It Must Be Hull

Yorkshire Post Article-September 2022

Hello September! It’s the beginning of a new season, a new school year and a month brimming with possibilities. As the last days of summer collide with autumn, there’s a different
feeling in the air. In Hull, that feeling is electric. A city full of possibilities, it’s ready to welcome you with open arms (with or without the kids) to seize the last moments of summer and embrace the seasonal shift and crisp autumn days.

Download our latest Yorkshire Post article on the link above

Hull Truck Theatre partner with Freedom Festival 2022

Hull Truck Theatre partner with Freedom Festival 2022, hosting an artistic and creative programme to excite, inspire, challenge, and provoke.

There is so much to explore in 2022 as Freedom Festival makes a welcome return and we are pleased to announce that Hull Truck Theatre will once again be partnering to present a unique series of indoor theatre and performance events.

The Freedom Festival programme at Hull Truck Theatre will be the perfect way to experience extraordinary world class and unique performances and discussions about what really matters. This year (Wednesday 31 August – Saturday 3 September), we will look to the future with new and contemporary theatre live performances, original music scores, puppetry, and dance to inspire audiences and artists.

Janthi Mills-Ward, Executive Director at Hull Truck Theatre said:

“Freedom Festival is such an exciting part of Hull’s year, and we relish being a key venue for the indoor programme bringing new and exciting work to the city. Work includes White Sun and BloodyElle, both of which are new sole contemporary pieces created during lock down. We will also open our stages to young people across the city to work with La Mechanica presenting The Little Things as well as Arcadia, mixing a live score from Adrian Utley (Portishead) and Will Gregory (Goldfrapp) presenting 100 years of archive footage that captures Britain’s countryside.”

Will Dickie will present White Sun (Wednesday 31st August), Set against a backdrop of a nation that continues to bask in the light of its colonial legacy, hooked on profits despite the costs. White Sun is lo-fi solo symphony of words and movement. Conjuring the ghosts of the men who have dominated the stage before him, Will takes us on a journey, navigating the tensions of inheritance, privilege, and addiction.

Bloody Elle – A Gig Musical (Wednesday 31 August), is a heart-warming and belly-achingly funny story stuffed full of those stomach-flipping-time-stopping moments, a touch, a glance, a kiss, that everyone will recognise. Lauryn Redding (71 Coltman Street for Hull Truck Theatre) plays Eve in this one woman show about Elle – a young, working-class girl growing up and coming out in the North. This heart-warming and belly achingly funny story, directed by Bryony Shanahan is set to an original score, building loops and layers of sound that make you feel like there is a ten-piece band on stage. This is Lauryn’s gig version of her smash-hit gig-musical, following its WhatsOnStage nomination for Best Regional Theatre Production. If you missed it in Manchester or Edinburgh then make sure you catch this feel-good, funny, stunningly performed gig before it’s gone! Featuring all the songs from the shows, plus a few cheeky extras- Lauryn will guide you thru the high and lows of Bloody Elle, from why she put pen to paper- to where it’s heading next. La Mecànica & Teatre Principal de Palma present The Little Things (Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd September), a sassy and fast-moving performance for both children and their parents, that is seen by children and adults on two very different levels. Born from a view of the world as seen at knee[1]height, by children, and the world they discover, The Little Things transforms from the innocence of a hungry caterpillar into a majestic butterfly, exploring and dazzling the world.

Using puppetry and dance, physical theatre and music, The Little Things blends the comic directness and sincere naivety of childhood with the often-absurd struggle of parents to be great role-models whilst also stretching to keep the very grown-up pleasures and releases of adult life. This is a riotous, fresh and inspiring piece of physical theatre for anyone who is a child, has ever been a child or has children in their lives. A perfect celebration of a festival which aims to involve adults and children, through puppets and visual theatre.

A live soundtrack performance and screening of director Paul Wright’s acclaimed film Arcadia (Saturday 3 September) will explore our complex connection to the land that we live in. Adrian Utley (Portishead) and Will Gregory (Goldfrapp) bring the captivating film and their critically acclaimed soundtrack to life with a specially curated 9-piece band featuring Adrian and Will, together with folk singer Lisa Knapp and a line-up of exceptional musicians and singers. Originally released in cinemas UK-wide in 2018 by the BFI to outstanding reviews, Arcadia is an electric and eclectic mash-up of 100 years of archive film footage. Looking at the past from the future, it examines the rich and strange history of the British countryside. With Adrian and Will’s powerful score of folk, classical, electronic dance music and archive recordings, Arcadia Live goes on a sensory, visceral journey through contrasting seasons. Exploring the beauty and brutality, magic and madness of our changing relationship to the land and each other. A folk horror wrapped in an archive film, it’s a very strange trip indeed… Arcadia reminds us of what happens when our connection to nature, and indeed each other, frays and unravels. By exploring and asking ourselves what we have gained and lost in the last century, perhaps we will discover something of what we’ll need to survive in the next. Adrian Utley, guitar/ keyboards in Arcadia said: “I think Arcadia seems more relevant now than it was when it was made 5 years ago. We are seeing the effects of climate change and destruction of countryside more and more every day”.

Mikey Martins, Artistic Director at Freedom Festival said:

“We are delighted to be working with our friends and partners at Hull Truck Theatre again this year to present a unique and varied indoor offering inside this wonderful building. There are exceptional examples of innovative solo work made during the pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, we look forward to welcoming you to the Freedom Festival programme at Hull Truck Theatre”.

The Freedom Festival is Hull’s long-running Arts Festival that has flooded the city with thought provoking and entertaining arts and culture for 16 years. Founded in Hull, it is named after the city’s association with the abolition of the slave trade as well as other activism on important issues in today’s world. The festival has been known for bringing the best cultural offerings locally, nationally and internationally through all sizes of performances and exhibitions, from spectacular large-scale to reflective and intimate. In 2022 Freedom Festival takes place over 9-days from 26th August, culminating in a jam-packed weekend from 2nd – 4th September based over four zones, around Hull’s theatres, Princes Dock Street, Old Town and Fruit Market. The full programme is available at www.freedomfestival.co.uk and you can join the team on social media (@freedomfesthull) to keep updated with the latest news and announcements leading up to and during the festival. Free printed festival guides will be available from various locations including Hull New Theatre and the Welcome Information Centre at Hull Interchange from 12th August.

Hull Truck Theatre is a pioneering theatre with a unique Northern voice, locally rooted, global in outlook, inspiring artists, audiences, and communities to reach their greatest potential. We produce and present inspiring theatre that reflects the diversity of a modern Britain and provide the resources, space, and support to grow people and ideas. We are an ambassador for our city, a flagship for our region and a welcoming home for our communities. We are committed to our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, and Integrity. Through our work with schools and local communities we engage with young people, disabled groups, and adults, offering opportunities to participate in the arts, whether as a first step into a career, a way to build confidence and meet new people, or as a part of a rounded education. Our ground-breaking Community Dialogues programme builds on long-term partnerships within Hull’s local communities to address inequalities in accessing the arts. In 2022 we celebrate 50 years of Hull Truck Theatre. We’re doing this by focusing on the thing that makes Hull Truck Theatre magic – the people. Without our supportive audiences, generous funders, talented artists, passionate participants and dedicated staff, this theatre wouldn’t have kept its place at the heart of Hull’s creative core for half a century.

With the inspiring leadership of Mark Babych (Artistic Director) and Janthi Mills-Ward (Executive Director), the theatre is on the next stage of its exceptional journey, creating a vibrant 21st-century cultural organisation. Hull Truck Theatre gratefully acknowledges support from Arts Council England and Hull City Council. With the inspiring leadership of Mark Babych (Artistic Director) and Janthi Mills-Ward (Executive Director), the theatre is on the next stage of its exceptional journey, creating a vibrant 21st-century cultural organisation.

Hull Truck Theatre gratefully acknowledges support from Arts Council England and Hull City Council.

For Festivals and Summer Fun…It Must Be Hull

Yorkshire Post Advertorial

Download your free copy of our August Yorkshire Post article here, to find out about all the exciting things taking place in Hull this summer.

With schools out for the holidays and lingering summer days stretching before us, it’s time to take the party outside.

From festival fun to leisurely days out (with or without the kids) Hull’s got your summer bucket list covered. It’s the summer we finally get to dance in the streets again, so grab friends and family by the hands and head back into the buzz where wonder awaits once again.