Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival

After its successful debut last year, Fresh Ink returns to Hull’s Fruit Market, with exciting events taking place across two days in July. Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival is an annual theatre festival designed to support writers with a connection to Hull to create and develop new plays in the city. Audiences can enjoy a wide range of events including script-in-hand performances of early versions of new plays, writer workshops, industry talks and two keynote speeches.

The festival takes place across two venues in Hull’s Fruit Market quarter, Stage@TheDock and the pop-up space on Pier Street, on the weekend of 19-20 July 2025.

All performances and talks at Stage@TheDock will be hosted inside a weatherproof marquee and workshops and talks will take place inside the venue 1-2 Pier Street. Audiences are encouraged to make use of the fantastic range of independent cafes, restaurants and bars on Humber Street and the Fruit Market area.

Fresh Ink is produced by co-founders Middle Child and sponsored by co-founders Wykeland, with support from J F Brignall Charitable Trust, Hull City Council, the University of Hull, Hull Truck Theatre and Garrick Charitable Trust.

Festival-goers will see new plays commissioned especially for the festival, from writers with a connection to the city, and workshops and talks from some of the most exciting names in the industry.

Workshops with Javaad Alipoor, Holly Beasley-Garrigan, Lydia Marchant, Nathan Queeley Dennis and Tom Wells. Talks by Tabby Lamb, Cheryl Martin (Red Ladder), Holly Williams (Exeunt Magazine) and Matt Woodhead (Lung Theatre). Keynote speeches from Ola Animashawun and Maureen Lennon. New plays by Ellen Brammar, Jim Norris, Noor Sobka, Jay Grainger and Samuel Sims, Michelle Kelly, Laura Wilson and Sean Climmie.

Other events include readings from Middle Child’s writers’ group, relaxed networking sessions and a sharing of an extract from Middle Child’s flagship show for 2026, by Marc Graham.

To keep the festival affordable for audience members and participants, most of the events are priced on a Pay What You Decide scheme, where you can choose to pay anything between £3-10. Other events are free, but booking is still required.

Age recommendation for events across the festival is 14+, with parental discretion.

HU5 LIVE

HU5 Live is a festival for the people, by the people.

Set right on the iconic stretch of Princes Avenue, HU5 Live brings together all your favourite local independents for one massive day of live music, street food, cold pints, and good energy. It’s a full-on celebration of the area, its culture, its sound, and the community that keeps it moving.

This isn’t some big corporate event dropped in from nowhere. It’s homegrown. Built by the bars, cafes, venues, and creatives that make HU5 what it is. Every tune, every bite, every drink is local, loud, and proud.

Whether you’re from round here or just visiting, HU5 Live is your chance to dive into the heart of Hull and experience what makes this postcode so alive.

Run for Palestine

Join us at the Pearson Park Hull on the 27th July 2025 for a fun filled day for the whole family.

Bring your friends and family along for a day of laughter, fun and and games, shopping so much to look forward to. A community get together having a wonderful time making memories and remembering our brothers and sisters of Palestine 🇵🇸 ❤️

An event not to be missed save the date:

🗓27th July 2025
🕚 12 till late
📍Pearson Park, Hull, HU5 2GT

We can’t wait to see you all In’sha’Allah.🤲🏻🙏🏻♥️

Social On Humber Street

Humber Street Sesh: BBC Music Introducing

Fiona-Lee headlines the BBC Music Introducing Stage inside Social as part of Humber Street Sesh 2025.

 

It’s packed with the very best emerging artists from the region and beyond:

Fiona-lee
Pleasure Centre
Flat Moon
Cherry Fuzz Club
O’Phantom
Ever
Wench!
Slowdaze
Marnie Glum
Alma Hanaar
Hardy & Hetherington

The Great Gardening Day

As part of Unearthed: The Power of Gardening we are celebrating all things gardening. Join us for The Great Gardening Day, a day dedicated to gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages.

Highlights of the day include:

  • Free Houseplant Repotting: Bring your houseplants for expert repotting by Mr Botany of Botany Boutique, Hornsea. Mr Botany will be available all day to provide hands-on help to keep your indoor garden thriving.

10:00AM-3:30PM, FREE

  • Bonsai Trees – how to…: Learn the art of cultivating and caring for bonsai trees from experienced grower, Paddy Budd.

11:30AM-12:30PM, FREE

  • Terrarium Making Workshop: Join Mrs Botany of Botany Boutique, Hornsea as she guides you through the creation of your own miniature garden perfectly contained in glass, perfect for any space. Tickets available to purchase alongside the free general admission ticket for the day.

OVER 16, 2:00PM-3:00PM, £10 EACH

  • Gardeners’ Question Time: Do you have a gardening problem you would like solved? Join a panel of local experts as they share tips and tricks on the care of…

-Houseplants

-Establishing the wildlife garden of your dreams

-Bees, from Beekeeping to encouraging Bees in our gardens

-Good Composting for a healthy garden

You may be contacted before the event to supply your burning question before GQT begins!

4:15PM-5:15PM, FREE

  • The Marketplace

-Seed Swap – Hull Food Partnership Instagram

-Houseplants & More – Botany Boutique Instagram

-Alpine Planters & More – North Park Botanical Instagram

-Handmade Plant Pots – Ever Green Studio Instagram

-Bonsai Trees – Bonsai Growers

10:00AM-3:30PM

The T.O.S.H Street Party Weekend

The Old School House & Courtyard Announces an Electrifying Weekend of Music:Clubland Tour, TOSH Street Party & Pop Live presents Could be Real Tribute Festival

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of music and entertainment as The Old School House &Courtyard (TOSH) transforms into the ultimate festival destination from Friday,1st August to Sunday, 3rd August. This three-day event brings together legendary dance anthems, an annual street party, and a spectacular tribute festival, promising something for every music lover.

Friday, 1st August

Kicking off the weekend, Clubland are on Tour to deliver an unmissable night of the very best in dance anthems. Expect an electrifying atmosphere, chart-topping classics, and a line-up that will keep the energy soaring all night long.

Saturday, 2nd August

TOSH Annual Street Party – The tradition continues as TOSH hosts its legendary Street Party, bringing together the finest in tech house and classic house. With an outdoor festival vibe, cutting-edge sound, and an incredible crowd, this is the place to be for dance music lovers looking to party under the summer sky.

Sunday, 3rd August

Pop Live Presents Could Be Real Tribute Festival – Rounding off the weekend, Could Be Real Tribute Festival brings together the UK’s top tribute acts for a full day of live performances, celebrating iconic artists and timeless hits. This special event is open to all ages, making it the perfect day out for families to enjoy great music together in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Join the Party at The Old School House & Courtyard Located at Malton Street, Hull, HU9 1BA, The Old School House & Courtyard is renowned for hosting some of the city’s biggest and best music events. With top-tier production, an electric crowd, and an unbeatable line-up, this August weekend is set to be a highlight of the summer!

Celebrating Sanctuary

Celebrating Sanctuary brings together voices and stories from Hull’s Sanctuary Seeker community.

The evening will feature a mix of short performances that includes music, monologues, storytelling and more, celebrating the creativity of Refugees and Asylum Seekers who call Hull their home.
Held in our Godber Studio, this event is a free celebration of the value of being a welcoming city and therefore anyone is welcome!

Hull Truck Theatre’s event will echo what is happening across the city as part of Hull Refugee Week 2025. This year the theme is ‘Community as a Superpower’ where everyone is encouraged to build new connections in and beyond their neighbourhood, sharing feelings of welcome and belonging. In Hull, different organisations and communities will be doing just that by bringing people together to celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Fast & Bulbous Festival 2025

Fast & Bulbous Festival 

Weekend LIMITED Early Bird Ticket.

August 15/16/17

Three days of music, fun and food!

‘The Greatest Festival In The World (hosted in a carpark surrounded by rubbish)’.

20 bands, DJ’s and performers hosted across two stages – ANNUAL ADELPHI FUNDRAISER now in it’s 9th year.

Barclays BEE Fraud Aware

Barclays Hull are supporting Bee lady day in various ways this year, including bringing their Scam Safe Van to Queen Victoria Square this Tuesday from 11am – 3pm!

 

Pop in to have a chat with their staff to build your scam awareness!

Medieval Fair – HT600

STEP BACK IN TIME!

Hull Minster are delighted to be hosting a Medieval Festival this year as part of their HT600 Project. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a day of unique entertainment, there’s something for everyone!

The site of Hull Minster has been used as a place of worship since the 12th century. The current building stands courtesy of royal, medieval patronage: Edward I funded the current building in 1297. The medieval church was eventually completed in 1425, and was very likely the site of fairs and festivals in a bygone age.

We are hoping to harken back to that tradition this year on our 600th anniversary, hosting a Medieval festival in front of Hull’s most striking Medieval landmark: step back in time, and experience the sights, sounds, and splendour of the Middle Ages!

– Wander through authentic period shelters and encounter immersive actors who bring the past to life with engaging stories and demonstrations.
– Marvel at the skill of craftspeoplefletchers, and merchants showcasing traditional trades and wares.
– Be delighted by the antics of jesters and entertained by live musicians performing period tunes.
– Enjoy contemporary medieval games, explore unique artisan stalls, and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era

—all in Hull’s most historic setting.

Come for the history. Stay for the spectacle.
Thanks to National Lottery Players

The Fair is free. No charge.

We work on the donation system. It costs a £1000 a day to run Hull Minster so if you can make a donation we are very grateful. Thank you.
Give — Hull Minster

Classic Car Day – September

Stroll through the Museums Quarter Garden to explore vintage and classic motor vehicles from the East Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car Club, find out the history of the vehicles and take photos of your favourites.

Please do not touch any of the vehicles without the owner’s permission.

Free, drop-in

The Distinguished Gentlemans Ride – 2025

Ready your engines and prepare your dapper attire, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is returning on Sunday the 18th of May, 2025!
Register to join an event like no other with 1000 cities around the world riding on the same day in support of men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.
Join hundreds of thousands of dapper gentlefolk in the world’s most stylish on-road motorcycling charity event, as we ride to raise funds and awareness for men’s health on behalf of Movember.
Keep updated and register at www.gentlemansride.com
All riders must be registered at The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website to view local ride details, with details are to remain confidential.

Hull Horror Fest 2025

Sold in the form of a wristband which will be posted to your confirmed address upon booking.

A horror themed Comic-Con – Over 60 stalls, artists, authors, creators, replica photo ops and loads of fun! Cosplay is optional!

10am – 4pm Sat 25th October 2025
Costello Stadium, Hull

Advanced tickets = £10 adults, £5 Under 16s, Under 5s FREE

Ticket on the door will be £12

No refunds available, Guests may cancel due to last minute work commitments (just like any standard comic con event)

Hull Minster

Hullzapoppin Dance Weekend – Pop up dancing in Trinity Square

Hullzapoppin’ 2025 is held in the two most spacious and splendid venues in the vicinity, the Guildhall and Hull City Hall!!

They kick off our Hullzapoppin’ weekender at 5pm on Friday 23rd May 2025. This a fun, relaxed weekender with workshops and a choice of tasters each day from 10am to 6pm and three social dances at the fabulous City Hall and Guildhalls in Hull City Centre.

160 dancers dancing in Trinity Market on the Saturday. They may over spill into Trinity Square in front of Hull Minster.

For a breakdown of the full, weekend schedule click here Hullzapoppin SCHEDULE…

Bring Your Own Picnic and Celebrate VE Day Weekend

Bring your own picnic, get together with friends and celebrate VE day weekend.
Might not be music from the 40’s but it’s retro and you all love it.
Make the effort and dress for the occasion, prize for best outfit!

Hull Open Studios

Hull has a vibrant, eclectic community of artist studios. On Saturday 10 May, 10am-5pm, the city’s artists and studio providers will open their doors to the public, celebrating a diverse range of practices from painting to sculpture, drawing and textiles. 

Hull Open Studios 2025 is a rare chance to see artists at work in their studios, get insight into works in progress and buy work directly from the artists themselves.  

 

Participants

Humber Street Gallery

64, Humber Street, Hull, HU1 1TU

Humber Street Gallery presents a changing programme of contemporary visual art exhibitions. As part of Hull Open Studios, artists from our Talent Development Programme INTER_CHANGE will be occupying the Space 2 Gallery where they have been working over the past two months. Meanwhile, visitors will be able to visit In Therapy with North Sea by Solmaz Farhang, and our Arty Bods session will be on in the café space from 10:30am-12:30pm.

Juice Studios 

61A Humber Street, Hull, Hu1 1TU

Juice Studios is a not-for-profit creative hub in Hull’s Humber Street, established in 2020. Home to 12 individual studios and a co-working space for up to 10 creatives, we support a diverse community of artists, including fine artists, painters, printmakers, graphic designers, illustrators, glass workers, and textile artists. Our open-access print studio specializes in screen printing alongside traditional printmaking. We also host workshops, life drawing, and provide a flexible project space for exhibitions, photoshoots, and creative experimentation.

 

HARI

25 Francis Street (1st Storey), Hull, HU2 8DT

Hull Artist Research Initiative provides residency space for artists of all disciplines to explore a research subject or experiment with an element of practice. This acts as a space beyond the usual studio for specific activity which pushes artistic practice further. To support these artists’ enquiries, and enable engagement between artists and publics, subject experts, and other artists, HARI devises a bespoke programme of discussions and events for each residency it hosts.

Atelier 8.

25 Francis Street (Access via Caroline Place), Hull, HU2 8DT

Atelier 8. is a unique society of fashion and textile creative practitioners in Hull. A place where independent artists and designers are encouraged to reach their full potential. Where ideas thrive, boundaries are pushed, and the status quo is challenged. With eight full members and five fellows the society supports and nurtures creatives at all stages of their career. Members’ practices include fashion design, free-hand embroidered textiles, millinery and Nuno felting, amongst others.

 

Ground

60 Beverley Road, Hull, HU3 1YE

Ground is a social centre and space for local, outsider, and social art which benefits the local community and wider public through the provision of low-cost artist studios, gallery, library, community space, print room, and shop.
We host a range of public and closed groups around art, music, environmental concerns, community development, alternative-education and addiction support, with a diverse audience that attend the sessions including ex-offenders, recovering addicts, neurodiverse people, and the LGBTQI+ community.
87 Princes Ave, Hull HU5 3QP
Artlink Hull is a community arts charity dedicated to bringing the creative arts to everyone. Since 1982 we have led inclusive creative workshops, learning programmes and events. Our 87 Gallery exhibition programme prioritises commissioning early career artists, encouraging experimentation in the production of ambitious new work. Start Open Studios with us 10am – 12pm for complimentary hot drinks and pastries to fuel your day of studio visits. While you’re here, experience our latest exhibition ‘Special’ by Emily Oetegenn, meet artists associated with our Streams workshops and chat to our team to discover more about our programmes.

Ian Hinley

57 Duesberry Street, Hull, HU5 3QE

Ian is a figurative painter who has been working in Hull for four years making portraits and large allegorical works. More recently he has also been finding joy in making smaller work primarily featuring animals.

 

 

Studio Eleven

12 Humber Street, Fruitmarket, HU1 1TG

Studio Eleven is a gallery, studio and workshop space. Events include artists talks & workshops by leading professional artists, a membership scheme, and a rolling programme of exhibitions featuring contemporary studio ceramics and painting.
We have the only dedicated ceramics space in Hull, with equipment and kilns in a shared studio setting.   We offer a Membership Scheme, Beginners Course, guided Pottery Clubs, plus throwing – on – the – wheel workshops. Membership benefits include 10% discount on artist led workshops, access to the equipment, kilns, and materials at a reduced price.
We welcome visitors to our studio during the open weekend to see work in progress, our facilities, pottery and sculpture created by our artists members and the pottery clubs.
Exhibition: New Paintings by Claire West; Ceramics Sculpture by Qi Fang Colbert. Land; Sea; Mind
Open Wednesday 7 May – 6 July 2025

 

 

Amy Precious

Hull Institute of Arts, Wilberforce Dr. HU1 3DG

Amy Precious is a contemporary artist based in Hull. Known for her colourful, atmospheric works, Precious uses oil pastels to explore synaesthesia, blending visual, sound, and sensory art. Her pieces capture personal and collective experiences, with a focus on political, societal, and cultural moments. Her work often reflects life in Hull and her travels, particularly to Málaga, Spain. Precious has exhibited locally, including at the Art House Gallery and the Hull Unthinkable Film Festival 2024.

 

 

Angela Bell

73 Patterdale Road, Spring Bank West, Hull. HU55AP

Angela originally studied textile design at Manchester where colour, texture and experimentation with different mediums were encouraged. Her work continues to be an eclectic mix and she likes to create an interesting surface on which to work using a variety of media, including machine embroidery. Angela has taken part in Beverley Open Studios more recently. She exhibits locally and nationally and has had work in Royal British Society’s exhibition at the Mall Galleries for the last two consecutive years.

 

Sandy Dorer

48 George Street, Cottingham, HU15 5QP

Mainly my practice centres on the environment and our imapct upon it. My work is calm, quiet and still with the intention of engaging the viewer to take time to make a personal connection. My work practice involves being in an area often collecting organic material which gives resonance to a piece, sketching, taking photographs and getting the feeling of a place. I work in oil on canvas as I like the historical connection.

Dom Heffer

Salisbury Hall, 1 Park Road (next to Pearson Primary school) Hull, HU3 1TD
I have been in my current studio for eight years. The paintings that I make depict anarchic situations populated by ‘stooges’. The atmosphere in the works is often a little perilous, or anxious. For me, these are predominant moods cultivated in western culture; by our governments, mainstream media and online environments. I am attempting to create images that are critical of this culture – whilst avoiding cynicism

Katryna Finnigan

3 Belmount Street, HU9 2RH

I am an artist, and I mainly make art work made entirely out of magazines and recycled materials. I also draw and do a lot of enlargements, mainly of celebrities. I also do some painting.
I also play and perform the alto saxophone so I will be happy to perform this at the same time.

Fraser Briggs (FSR) – Misc Print Co

87 Princes Avenue, Hull, HU5 3QP

Misc Print Co was founded in 2018 by Artist/Designer, Fraser Briggs (FSR). Offering Design and Screen Printing solutions (garment and flat stock), Briggs, has worked with clients including acclaimed visual and musical artists (national and global), record labels, HBO/BBC, community projects and local business’. Alongside branding and art direction. Briggs also helps Artists develop their practice and offers on/offsite workshops for people to try screen printing themselves.

 

 

Art & Soul 

Art & Soul, based at Fruit Market, showcases the work of over 100 artists and makers. Collections include Ceramics, Pottery, Jewellery, Original Art, Prints, and Photography, as well as a wide range of Greetings Cards and Gifts. The diverse selection on offer focuses on high-quality, handmade work, providing a vibrant space to explore and enjoy the creativity of UK artists and makers.

 

 

Matt Midwood

25 Francis Street (Access via Caroline Place), Hull, HU2 8DT

Matt paints, draws and prints familiar things either from life or his visual memory, objects our interest, places, spaces, buildings and people. Whether the artwork is figurative or abstract, what he strives for is something that looks real rather than just representation.

 

 

Bobby Beasley

25 Francis Street (Access via Caroline Place), Hull, HU2 8DT

Bobby is a photographer who seeks chance encounters and unpredictable moments. He likes to capture the humour in situations, enjoying the interaction, spontaneous nature and everything that happens along the way!  Good work is when all of the elements come together.

 

 

Isaac Yeboah

64 Humber Street Gallery, Hull, HU1 1TU

My drawings are an abstract representation of my immediate experiences inspired by culture, fantasy, nature, mystery and the metaphysical which all intricately weave together a captivating imagery. A fluid connection which exists within the elements of the works translate a form of oneness which brings the drawings alive. Using the ballpoint pen as a medium on paper, I blend past and contemporary ideas and breathes life into vivid abstract imagery rich in detail and meaning.

 

 

Emily Fratson

64 Humber Street Gallery, Hull, HU1 1TU

I am a multidisciplinary artist with a BFA in Visual Art from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi (2013). My practice is underpinned by drawing, which I see as present in all aspects of my practice. I employ a range of processes and materials including ceramics, textiles, photography, painting, and digital media to explore themes such as placedness, domesticity, the lineage of making, and the line between art and craft.
Recently, I have been particularly drawn to using textiles- specifically quilting and embroidery. I consider these to be ‘legacy practices’ as they were mastered by my grandmother and passed on to me and the other women on my maternal line. I am in the early stages of developing a body of new work that considers my relationship to my grandmother and explores the push and pull between our ‘otherness’ and shared aspects of our being.
I am interested in rephrasing the existing language/ visual vocabulary around craft/domestic acts, Bible Belt Christianity, myth and the psyche.

Zivarna Murphy

64 Humber Street Gallery, Hull, HU1 1TU

Zivarna will show a body of ceramic work focusing on the tactile natural forms and textures of shells and fossilised shell bodies. They draw upon an exploration of the concept of donor bodies being left as empty shells and her ongoing examination of coastal erosion as a metaphor for human loss. You are invited to hold, listen to and smell the pieces. There will be a selection of vessels and wearable offcuts available for sale.

 

 

Chloe Barker

64 Humber Street Gallery, Hull, HU1 1TU

I consider my practice to be an intimate archive of my thoughts, discussions and experiences. I have amassed documentation through an ever growing collection of hand bound books which serve as the foundation of my creative work. My books consist of writings and drawings interconnected by their subject matter. Recurring motifs within my work have helped me form a consistent visual language, something I’ve found to be extremely cathartic.

 

Victoria Smith

64 Humber Street Gallery, Hull, HU1 1TU

Victoria Smith is a photographic artist, whose practice spans across analogue and digital technologies, from high quality commercial work to conceptual darkroom experimentations. Through a diverse range of exhibitions, residencies, and commissions, her work offers a nuanced perspective on both personal and collective narratives. Victoria also curates local exhibitions to provide a platform for local photographers to show their work to the public.

 

Old Ice Cream Factory

47 Peel Street, Hull HU3 1QR

Old Ice Cream Factory is a live / work space in a restored and converted light industrial building which has had several uses besides a confectioners and ice cream manufacturers. It is surrounded by unusual gardens forming a quiet oasis close to the town centre. Rick Welton makes functional and sculptural hand-built ceramics. Trish Green is a mixed media artist with a particular interest in monoprints. Jeff Green uses found materials to create miniature townscapes.

 

Wild Giant Arts

Unit 17 Courtney Street Factory Unit Estate HU8 7QF

Wild Giant Arts is a new street theatre company in Hull run by local artists and performers Stacey and Dave. We make roaming shows using larger than life puppets that we take to outdoor events and festivals around the UK.  We build them here in our little studio in East Hull, where you can see our current work in progress, a giant dog puppet, and the inner workings that go into the creation of it.

 

Please note, some of the artists may choose to support the TransHull protest and won’t be in their studios 1-2pm. If you are planning on visiting over that time period, please get in touch with artists directly to check if they are present.