Category: Arts

People of all ages and experience levels have a last chance to enter the Alec Gill and Giroscope International Photography Competition, and face-to-face help is available for anyone who would like support submitting their photographs online.

King of the Waltz André Rieu’s 2026 Christmas concert ‘Let It Snow’ comes to Hull cinemas

For audiences around the world, André Rieu’s Christmas concerts have become a much-loved part of the festive season. This December, the maestro returns to the big screen with his brand-new Christmas spectacular Let It Snow, coming to cinemas for two special days only on 5th and 6th December.

Hull to host national arts conference

Hull will play host to OutdoorArtsUK’s national conference next year, following work to bring the event to the city by the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire Conference team at Hull City Council.

Creative Voice Festival returns for 2026

by Editor19 October 202619 October 2026

A free festival aimed at developing young people’s creativity is back this half term.

Local artists unite to launch new exhibition ‘SHARED SPACE’ at Pocklington Arts Centre

Three contemporary artists from the Pocklington area are coming together to present ‘SHARED SPACE’, a new exhibition running at the Pocklington Arts Centre from Saturday 31st October to Thursday 10th December.

Arts

Review: Behind the Lens

by Editor18 October 202619 October 2026

Bold, moving and powerful, Behind the Lens brought a deeply human perspective to a subject too often reduced to statistics and arguments.

Salt House announces ‘Share The Light’ Winter 2026 UK Tour

by Editor16 October 202616 October 2026

The band, comprising Ewan MacPherson, Anna Hughes, and Jenny Sturgeon, has been a mainstay on the folk scene for over a decade.

Arts

Official trailer and crowdfunder launched for independent documentary on breaking through in the UK music industry

by Editor16 October 202616 October 2026

Acclaimed author and musician Alex Boucher MBE and the northern creative house Pink + Red release the first official trailer for Three and a Half Minutes of Fame, an independent music documentary based on Boucher’s 2024 memoir of the same name.

Play set in an East Yorkshire doomsday cult to premiere at Middle Child Theatre this week

by Editor15 October 202615 October 2026

A darkly comic drama about a teenage girl navigating life inside a doomsday cult will premiere at Hull’s newest theatre on Humber Street on Friday.

Pop icon Chesney Hawkes to play intimate show at Pocklington Arts Centre

by Editor15 October 202615 October 2026

Chesney Hawkes is set to bring his first headline tour in over a decade to Pocklington Arts Centre on Friday 16th April 2027.

Hull’s too small for Fela Kuti? Gidi Vibes begs to differ

by Editor15 October 202615 October 2026

Hull’s got soul. And it’s got a Felabration.

Pirates of the Caribbean actor Lee Arenberg to present film music concert at Hull City Hall

Lee Arenberg, who played Pintel in the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films, will appear as special guest at The Music of Hans Zimmer & More, an evening of live film music at Hull City Hall on Saturday 21st November 2026.

Our City confirmed to return to Hull in March 2027 as Back to Ours launches community engagement programme

Local arts charity Back to Ours has confirmed that Our City will return to Hull in 2027, with communities across the city invited to help shape the event.

A new play about Welsh rugby player John Bevan touches down in Hull

John Bevan: Team Player – from Lions to League will be performed for one night in the Legends Lounge at Sewell Group Craven Park this October.

Much-loved landmarks inspire book of a hopeful future

A unique book featuring a vision of Hull and East Yorkshire is to feature authors from the area.

Artist selected to create striking waterfront sculpture in Hull’s Fruit Market

An acclaimed artist has been selected to create a stunning new permanent sculpture occupying a prominent waterfront location in Hull’s Fruit Market.

A new theatre production exploring home, belonging and the human stories behind the headlines

by Editor7 October 20269 October 2026

Behind the Lens, written and directed by Falling Stars Theatre in collaboration with Welcome House Hull, tells the stories of people seeking sanctuary and explores what happens when an ordinary family encounters experiences very different from their own.

Carbon Theatre, in association with Birmingham Rep, presents Bright Places at Hull Truck Theatre

I was 23 when it came crashing into my life; without warning, when everything was going so well, just when I was really, really happy… With 90s pop, a costume box and a whole heap of glitter, Bright Places (Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd October) is a darkly funny and deeply honest autobiographical story about growing up in the shadow of chronic illness.

‘We are Orchard Park’ – new exhibition celebrating Hull estate opens this month

A new exhibition exploring the history of Hull’s Orchard Park – through the stories, memories and photographs of former and current residents – will take place at the estate’s Orchard Centre from 21st to 23rd October.

Review: It Walks Around the House at Night at Hull Truck Theatre

by Editor30 September 202630 September 2026

Our Editor, Rich Sutherland, shares his thoughts on It Walks Around the House at Night at Hull Truck Theatre.

EastEnders actor joins panel for UNTHINKABLE festival

by Editor2 October 20262 October 2026

TV and theatre star, BAFTA-nominated producer and acclaimed Hull multi-disciplinary artist announced as judges for UNTHINKABLE festival Awards Night.

‘INHERITANCE’ has World Premiere at Unthinkable Festival

by Editor2 October 20262 October 2026

A personal reckoning with Jewish heritage and the Palestinian experience, from a Hull-made cast and crew.

Iconic Hull nightclub inspires new drama, SPIDERS

by Editor2 October 20262 October 2026

Hull Truck Theatre are delighted to announce the general on sale of a brand-new contemporary drama production for the Godber Studio. SPIDERS will kick off their programme of produced work in January 2027, celebrating iconic gothic grunge nightclub, Spiders. Written by and starring Martha Godber, the show will be on stage from Thursday 28th January – Saturday 13th February 2027.

Snow White on Ice to bring festive family magic to Connexin Live this December

This Christmas, Connexin Live will be transformed into a frozen wonderland as the classic fairy tale, which inspired Disney’s Snow White, comes to life on ice.

Reg Meuross brings Stolen from God to Hull for Black History Month

by Editor30 September 202630 September 2026

Acclaimed songwriter’s deeply researched live song cycle exploring England’s role in the transatlantic trade in enslaved people comes to Middleton Hall on Thursday 8th October, with Jeffrey Boakye returning as narrator.

HEY Children’s University announces landmark 30th anniversary exhibition in partnership with Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery

by Editor24 September 202624 September 2026

Local charity Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University (HEYCU) has partnered with Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery for an exciting landmark art exhibition to celebrate it’s 30th Anniversary.

Powerful new drama explores secrets, sex… and toilets

by Editor24 September 202624 September 2026

Leeds-based Red Ladder Theatre Company and Hull’s Silent Uproar have joined forces to produce a powerful new play from an exciting and original voice in northern theatre.

Double-header at New Adelphi featuring folk-rock outfit Driven Serious and transatlantic Americana band A Different Thread

by Editor24 September 202624 September 2026

A Different Thread return to Hull to play at the iconic New Adelphi Club as part of their 20-date UK album release tour, sharing the stage with Northeast folk rock outfit Driven Serious.

Arts

Hull artist selected for Saatchi Gallery exhibition

by Editor23 September 202623 September 2026

Hull-born, York-based artist Ellis Newlove has been selected as a finalist for the London Art Collective ArtEvol 2026, an international group exhibition taking place at […]

Full cast unveiled for Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella at Hull New Theatre

by Editor22 September 202622 September 2026

New Adventures is delighted to announce the full cast for the 2026-27 UK tour of Matthew Bourne’s CINDERELLA which dances into Hull New Theatre from Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th February 2027 as part of its 30th anniversary tour.

Arts

New acquisition on display at Ferens Art Gallery

by Editor22 September 202622 September 2026

Ferens Art Gallery has acquired a painting by artist Emma Prempeh for its collection, through the Contemporary Art Society.

Arts

Mozart and Vivaldi top the classical playlists in Hull

by Editor22 September 202622 September 2026

Mozart and Beethoven have been voted the top choice composers that Hull residents are interested in exploring or learning more about over the next 12 months, according to new research.

Hull Jazz Festival returns for its 34th edition

by Editor16 September 202616 September 2026

Hull Jazz Festival returns throughout November 2026 for its 34th edition, bringing a diverse programme of live jazz, new commissions, emerging artists and free events to venues across the city.

New season of short plays at Middle Child from this weekend

by Editor8 September 20268 September 2026

A season of short plays will take to the stage at Hull’s newest theatre on Humber Street starting this Friday.

East Riding Youth Brass Band’s 40th anniversary celebrations

by Editor8 September 20268 September 2026

East Riding Youth Brass Band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a special event bringing together band members, former players, supporters and friends.

Local artist transforms Hull Heat Network energy centre

by Editor8 September 20268 September 2026

An exciting and innovative design has been installed at the Hull Heat Network Energy Centre, currently under construction on Trippett Street, thanks to the creative work by a local artist.

Glowflare Horror Film Festival 2026

by Editor2 September 20262 September 2026

Glowflare Horror Film Festival is proud to announce its official acceptance as a member of the Film Festival Alliance, an international organisation representing a curated network of film festivals committed to professional industry standards, ethical relationships with filmmakers, accessibility, inclusion and the continued support of independent cinema.

John Hackett Band & EBB double-header show at O’Rileys

by Editor2 September 20262 September 2026

The John Hackett Band will be celebrating ten years together with a tour that comes to O’Rileys, Hull on Friday 2nd October and concludes at The Boerderij in The Netherlands on Friday 27th November.

Cast announced for Hitchcock-inspired hit, The 39 Steps

by Editor27 August 202627 August 2026

This autumn, Hull Truck Theatre will present The 39 Steps (Wednesday 21st October – Saturday 14th November) in collaboration with Derby Theatre. The Hitchcock-inspired hit will be directed by Cal McCrystal, and we are delighted to announce the full cast.

UNTHINKABLE festival announces 2026 programme

by Editor27 August 202627 August 2026

From Hull Fair to a working butcher’s shop, featuring Mary Anne Hobbs, Richie Culver, Conor Thomas and more.

Club photography exhibitions aim to beat record turnout

by Editor26 August 202626 August 2026

The Viewfinder Photographic Society’s (VPS) annual exhibitions get underway once again this autumn, running at Skidby Village Hall from 25th to 27th September and The Ferguson Fawsitt, Walkington from 2nd to 4th October.

Pandemic birth stories take centre stage in new verbatim play at Hull Truck Theatre

by Editor26 August 202626 August 2026

The extraordinary experiences of women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic will be brought to life at Hull Truck Theatre this October in An Unprecedented Birth, a new verbatim theatre production created from real-life testimony.

We are Orchard Park: Back to Ours invites residents new and old to share stories of life on Hull estate

by Editor26 August 20263 September 2026

Local people are being invited to share memories, photographs and stories of life on Hull’s Orchard Park Estate (OPE), as arts charity Back to Ours launches a new project exploring the estate’s history.

Hull Trains partners with Freedom Festival to bring more people to the city’s cultural celebration

by Editor26 August 202626 August 2026

Hull Trains is making a major arts festival in the city this September accessible for all, after the open access operator announced that it will offer free travel to Freedom Festival from a number of destinations.

Silent Uproar reveal brand new interactive show, Vampires! Vampires! Vampires!

by Editor20 August 202621 August 2026

award-winning Hull-based theatre company Silent Uproar (The Night of the Werewolves LIVE, Dead Girls Rising, A Super Happy Story, Shit Life Crisis) present Vampires! Vampires! Vampires!, a brand-new production for Hull’s Freedom Festival 2026 programme.

Shiver me Timbers! Panto cast join Summer Festival

by Editor20 August 202620 August 2026

The stars of Hull New Theatre’s swashbuckling Christmas tale, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, are preparing to drop anchor at the Hull Maritime Summer Festival for a special event on Saturday 29th August from 2pm – 3pm.

New shows on sale now at Hull Theatres

by Editor18 August 202618 August 2026

Big personalities, legendary music and a ska celebration head to Hull in 2027 with three unforgettable nights out on sale now.

Pocklington Arts Centre announces brand new Christmas adventure

by Editor18 August 202618 August 2026

Pocklington Arts Centre has unveiled the first details of its brand-new Christmas production, A Christmas Sparkle, coming this December.

Business Angels aiming to build support for region’s cultural offer

by Editor12 August 202612 August 2026

A partnership which brings together investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders is stepping up its campaign to support arts and culture in Hull after playing a pivotal role in the city’s latest festival success.

Hessle Theatre Company to stage Hull and East Yorkshire’s first amateur production of Dear Evan Hansen

by Editor10 August 202610 August 2026

Hessle Theatre Company will become the first community theatre company in the Hull and East Yorkshire region to stage the award-winning musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, with performances at Hull Truck Theatre from 8–12 September 2026.

Dr Carol Williams appointed Hull City Hall Organist

by Editor10 August 202610 August 2026

Hull City Hall is delighted to announce the appointment of internationally renowned musician Dr Carol Williams as the new Hull City Hall Organist, ushering in an exciting new chapter for one of the UK’s most celebrated organs. She succeeds John Scott Whiteley and brings to Hull an outstanding career spanning more than three decades, with performances across the globe.

Hull primary school pupils create their own picture book on emotions, as peer led mental health project prepares to expand across the city

by Editor30 July 202630 July 2026

Rainbow of Emotions marks the completion of a pioneering six-week project at Thoresby Primary School led by Hull Art & Wellbeing Entrepreneur, Jodie Smith, with […]

Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival returns this weekend

Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival returns to Hull’s Fruit Market this weekend with two days of performances, workshops, talks and social events.

Freedom Festival unveils over 100 experiences for 2026 programme

Hull’s Freedom Festival has announced its full 2026 programme, offering audiences over 100 different experiences andthe return of evening performances.

Award-winning theatre company Silent Uproar announce return of 5-star theatre show Shit Life Crisis

Award-winning Hull-based theatre company Silent Uproar (The Night of the Werewolves LIVE; A Super Happy Story About Feeling Super Sad; Dead Girls Rising) has announced the return of Shit Life Crisis, the 5-star reviewed sing-along karaoke theatre show written by Olivia Hannah (Braids).

The Alec Gill and Giroscope International Photography Competition launches with a call to explore ‘HOME’

Giroscope is launching The Alec Gill and Giroscope International Photography Competition, a new global photography award and exhibition programme created as part of Giroscope’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

BYMT presents Technical Difficulties at Hull Truck Theatre

BYMT comes to Hull Truck Theatre for the first time in the company’s history to present the premiere of Technical Difficulties, a comedy set during a high school’s own musical production.

Back to Ours brings a summer of free music, circus and community celebrations to Hull

This summer, local arts charity Back to Ours is bringing an exciting programme of events to Hull – including a 30-piece orchestra performing in neighbourhoods across the city, plus circus, comedy and live music right on residents’ doorsteps.

Browse Studios CIC to launch new creative, cultural and community space in former Hull city centre retail unit

Browse Studios CIC is preparing to publicly launch a new creative, cultural and community space at 62-63 Prospect Street, part of Prospect Shopping Centre in Hull city centre, with the space fronting directly onto Prospect Street.

Creative students add new artistic appeal to Bridgehead woodland nature trail

Visitors now have even more reasons to explore and enjoy a woodland nature trail at one of the region’s leading business parks, with the addition of imaginative new creations.

UNTHINKABLE Festival: Unfiltered stories. Unpredictable art. Underground performance.

Hull’s UNTHINKABLE celebration of short filmmaking and contemporary art returns this autumn. From 6-11 October 2026, the festival is set to partner with venues across […]

Musicians, fans and venues celebrate incredible weekend of live music at first Everywhere At Once festival

Last weekend, thousands of artists took to the stages of the UK’s grassroots music venues with organisers, musicians, venues and music fans declaring the inaugural Everywhere At Once festival a resounding success.

The Addams Family comes to Hull Truck Theatre

by Editor29 June 202629 June 2026

The Addams Family, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and a dilemma that’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met.

Scene but not Heard — Revealing Hull’s working class Drag and LGBTQIA+ performance histories

by Editor24 June 202624 June 2026

Did you know that in the 70s, 80s and 90s, pubs and working men’s clubs in the HU3 docklands area of Hull had a drag and queer performance scene that held a top spot in the north of England, alongside Manchester?

Arts

Driffield Silver Band CIO achieves registered charity status

by Editor24 June 202624 June 2026

Driffield Silver Band CIO, which encompasses Driffield Silver Band, Driffield Community Band and East Riding Youth Brass Band, has successfully registered as a Charitable Incorporated […]

Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival reveals 2026 line-up

Middle Child have announced the full programme for the 2026 edition of Fresh Ink: Hull Playwriting Festival, taking place across Hull’s Fruit Market from 18-19 July.

New shows on sale now at Hull Theatres

There’s plenty to look forward to at Hull Theatres in the months ahead. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a night of live entertainment, delve into the morbid and macabre or embark on an awe-inspiring voyage through the cosmos, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

The Ecology of Books: Why We Keep Collecting Worlds

An article by Holly Stark, North Lincolnshire writer and MA Creative Writing graduate, University of Hull.

Give ‘em the old Razzle Dazzle as Chicago returns to Hull New Theatre

The “sexiest musical ever” (Metro) Chicago returns to Hull New Theatre from Monday 27th September to Saturday 2nd October 2027.

Hull Truck Theatre celebrates first year as Theatre of Sanctuary

by Editor17 June 202617 June 2026

Hull Truck Theatre are celebrating one year since they announced their coveted ‘Theatre of Sanctuary’ status during Refugee Week 2025. As the only theatre in the East Yorkshire and Humber area to achieve this prestigious accreditation, the theatre has prioritised embedding learnings into all areas of their organisation – from programming, audience development, participation and partnerships.

Unity and creativity take centre stage as Hull & East Yorkshire Fashion Week exceeds expectations

by Editor12 June 202612 June 2026

Hull & East Yorkshire Fashion Week has been hailed a huge success after turning an ambitious vision into a week-long celebration of creativity, collaboration and opportunity.

East Yorkshire brewery brings Shakespeare to the Wolds

by Editor12 June 202612 June 2026

An East Yorkshire brewery is bringing live theatre to the Yorkshire Wolds with an alternative take on Shakespeare.

10th anniversary of East Yorkshire’s She Productions: A remarkable decade of drama, by women, for everyone

Against the odds, an East Yorkshire-based all-female theatre collective is celebrating the tenth anniversary of their company which has survived and flourished despite cuts in UK arts funding, a global pandemic, economic recession and a cost-of-living crisis.

Hull Maritime Museum to unveil extraordinary treasures as major transformation opens this August

Rare scrimshaw, Arctic relics and historic objects to go on public display for the first time.

Hadestown comes to Hull New Theatre in 2027

The smash-hit Broadway and West End musical sensation by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin comes to Hull New Theatre from Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th September 2027.

André Rieu’s 2026 summer concert Viva Maastricht comes to over 600 cinemas across the UK

Step into a spectacular evening of music, joy, and celebration with André Rieu’s 2026 Maastricht Concert – Viva Maastricht! Captured live in the breathtaking Vrijthof Square in the heart of his hometown, this brand-new summer concert brings the magic of André’s world-famous performances to cinemas across the UK for one weekend only on 8th and 9th Ausgust 2026.

Submissions start for the Young Artist Open exhibition

by Editor3 June 20263 June 2026

Budding young artists are being encouraged to enter their artwork for an exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery.

Ahoy shipmates! Hull New Theatre announces swashbuckling panto line up

Hull New Theatre and Crossroads Pantomimes have today unveiled a stellar line up for this year’s seafaring tale, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Anarchy on Humber Street as Hull musicians stage alternative King’s Birthday Punk Party

While official birthday celebrations take place around the country, Hull’s Humber Street will be hosting a very different kind of party on Saturday 20th June.

Hull College students set to celebrate creative journeys at The Degree Show 2026

Graduating students from Hull College are preparing to showcase their creativity as the college’s annual Degree Show returns next week, offering a first look at work shaped by years of artistic development, experimentation, and ambition.

Celebrate Pride season 2026 with Hull Truck Theatre

June marks the start of Pride Month in the UK and this year’s Pride Season at Hull Truck Theatre will celebrate the work of LGBTQ+ people with a variety of new writing, comedy, drag, puppetry, musical numbers and burlesque.

Provocative Pots: New ceramics by Chris Turrell and Simon Dredge