We’ve shown that there’s so much more to Hull’s story than people ever expected. We have thrown our doors wide open and invited the world to an amazing year-long celebration of traditional and contemporary culture in the city.

The Hull 2017 programme ran from 1 January to 31 December 2017, with events taking place right across the city. The year was split into four seasons, each with something distinctive and intriguing to say about Hull and its place in the world.

SEASON ONE: MADE IN HULL
Jan – Mar

In this opening season, we welcomed the world to Hull.

We’ll challenged preconceptions and showed people what Hull is really made of and the many incredible things Hull has made for the world. From art to industry, Hull has long inspired great people and great ideas.

The spirit, the stories, the talent of this city was evident in our first season. We shared with everyone what the people of Hull have known all along – that this city has contributed enormously to ideas that have changed and enriched the world.

SEASON TWO: ROOTS AND ROUTES
Apr – Jun

Hull is a gateway to Europe, a city connected to a globalised, digital world. This is a place of migration and transitions; like the tidal movements that govern its rivers, it is in constant flux, often buffeted by outside influences beyond its control.

Where paths cross and journeys begin, this season explored Hull’s unique place in a constantly changing world. With a distinctly international flavour, new partnerships and collaborations formed as Hull took its place at the centre of UK culture.

SEASON THREE: FREEDOM
Jul – Sep

The city entered its summer season, packed full of festivals and events that celebrated Hull’s rebellious streak and its freedom of thought, unbound by convention.

Our third season not only explored the pivotal role Hull played in the emancipation movement, as it helped to ignite the still unfinished global journey towards equality and social justice for all, but will also looked at broader interpretations of freedom as a platform to create and debate, share and enjoy, reflect and reimagine.

SEASON FOUR: TELL THE WORLD
Oct – Dec

As the year drew to a close, we started looking to the future and exploring what’s next.

We will celebrated the qualities that made Hull stand apart in an unforgettable year. Our sense of independence, our individuality, integrity and sense of humour.

We’ll looked at how Hull is redefining itself as a key city within the North; a place reborn, with the voice and confidence of a city on the up.

The story starts here. Who knows where it will end?