Category: Arts

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

To celebrate 25 Years of Gay Pride in Hull 2026, at a time when identity, memory, and cultural history remain fiercely contested, Studio Eleven Gallery presents Provocative Pots — a bold new exhibition of ceramic works by Liverpool-based artists Chris Turrell and Simon Dredge. Through clay, porcelain, glaze, image, and narrative, the exhibition confronts the enduring overlap of queerness, visibility, politics, and survival.

New shows on sale now at Hull Theatres

by editor1 June 20261 June 2026

Hull Theatres announces an exciting line-up of new shows on sale now at Hull New Theatre at Hull City Hall. There’s a fascinating journey through human history with Professor Alice Roberts, two breathtaking ballets from Varna International Ballet & Orchestra, riotous stand-up from Ross Noble and Simon Brodkin and a naughty night of nostalgia from Gareth Gates.

What’s on at Hull Truck Theatre this June

by editor1 June 20261 June 2026

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, Hull Truck Theatre is delighted to present an exciting mix of entertainment this June, with an eclectic line-up of live performances, comedy, family favourites and community events.

Trinity Market event to open Hull & East Yorkshire Fashion Week

by editor29 May 202629 May 2026

The eagerly anticipated return of Hull & East Yorkshire Fashion Week will kick off with an opening event at the historic Trinity Market.

Pocklington Together: A Celebration of Volunteers

by editor29 May 202629 May 2026

Pocklington Arts Centre is set to unveil a new photography exhibition celebrating the many individuals who generously give their time to support the local community.

Humber Street Sesh wristbands are now on sale

by editor29 May 202629 May 2026

Recycled wristbands for Hull’s iconic grassroots music festival, Humber Street Sesh, are on sale now from independent outlets across the city.

Fatboy Slim, Lucy Spraggan and more join UK-wide grassroots festival Everywhere At Once

by editor27 May 202627 May 2026

Leading UK charity Music Venue Trust (MVT) and The National Lottery today announce an expanded line-up for Everywhere At Once, the UK-wide live music weekend bringing festival season directly to grassroots music venues across the country.

Creative Briefs appeals for new business sponsors

by editor20 May 202620 May 2026

A Hull art-based education company has launched a new appeal for business sponsors to support its work with neurodivergent young people.

Beverley Musical Theatre presents Grease at Hull Truck Theatre this June

by editor20 May 202620 May 2026

Beverley Musical Theatre is delighted to announce its upcoming production of the iconic musical Grease, hitting the stage at Hull Truck Theatre from Tuesday 16th – Saturday 20th June.

NAPA students step into the shadows for Jekyll & Hyde at Hull Truck Theatre

by editor19 May 202619 May 2026

Students from the Northern Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) are preparing to take to the stage at Hull Truck Theatre this month with a powerful new production of Jekyll & Hyde.

Hull’s Freedom Festival returns with a powerful theme of Peace and a bold first programme

by editor19 May 202619 May 2026

As one of the most distinctive arts festivals in the north of England, Freedom Festival is preparing to transform Hull with a bold theme: Peace.

Hull showcases emerging talent at The Great Escape as part of Northern Music Takeover

by editor14 May 202614 May 2026

Hull is set to shine on the national stage next week as bands and music industry delegates from the city head to Brighton to represent Hull as part of a Northern Music Takeover at The Great Escape Festival.

Join Sir Ian McKellen as Part of the Furniture in Hull’s newest theatre

by editor14 May 202614 May 2026

Middle Child will soon open its purpose-built studio theatre in Hull’s vibrant Fruit Market, and one of the 65 seats has a very familiar name attached to it.

Arts

Hull theatre company turns the set of a major television show into a children’s installation for Bradford City of Culture project

by editor13 May 202613 May 2026

A Hull‑based theatre company transformed leftover set materials from a major television show into a playful, imaginative installation for children as part of the Bradford City of Culture programme – giving a second life to props originally seen on TV.

Pioneering Yorkshire theatre companies join forces for exciting new collaboration

Red Ladder Theatre Company and Silent Uproar – two boundary-pushing theatre companies – are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership, showcasing the North of […]

Hull Truck Theatre’s Grow Festival 2026 announced

Hull Truck Theatre are excited to announce the return of Grow Festival 2026. The annual artist development season showcases new work from local talent and hosts workshops in theatre careers for professionals and audiences alike.

Trainspotting the Musical heads to Hull New Theatre

Thirty years on from the film that changed everything, and following its world premiere in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical heads to Hull New Theatre from Monday 16th to Saturday 21st November.

Music Venue Trust and The National Lottery announce first line-ups for Everywhere At Once: The UK’s Biggest Festival

by editor12 May 202612 May 2026 1 comment

Leading UK charity Music Venue Trust (MVT) and The National Lottery today announce the first line-ups for Everywhere At Once – a UK-wide live music weekend that brings the festival season to grassroots venues across the country.

Humber Street Sesh bounces back with limited discounted tickets on sale now

The award-winning grassroots festival for emerging music, Humber Street Sesh, is set to return to Hull Marina on Saturday 1st August, after narrowly avoiding closure due to financial pressures affecting festivals across the UK.

Pretty Woman: The Musical returns to Hull New Theatre

Big night out. Big. HUGE. Pretty Woman: The Musical returns to Hull New Theatre from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th July 2027 as part of a major UK Tour.

Hull Truck Theatre have been awarded the Colleague Network Award at The Scope Awards 2026 championing disability equality

by editor5 May 20265 May 2026

We are proud of everyone at Hull Truck Theatre for be awarded the Colleague Network Award. The Scope Awards celebrate those who are working to end disability inequality, bringing people together, using our collective power to change attitudes and achieve a mission of an equal future for disabled people.

John Partridge stars as the elegant face of evil in The Silence of the Lambs

by editor5 May 20265 May 2026

Indigo Productions and Crossroads Live, in association with Curve, have today announced the first casting for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of The Silence of the Lambs which visits Hull New Theatre from Monday 2nd to Saturday 7th November 2026.

Actors and legal experts take to the stage to shine the spotlight on workplace harassment

by editor30 April 20269 May 2026

Actors will share the stage with legal experts to put workplace harassment in the spotlight during this year’s Humber Business Week.

From venue protection to urban regeneration: Music Cities Convention 2026 announces full programme and international speaker lineup

by editor30 April 202630 April 2026

Music Cities Convention 2026 today announces 28 confirmed speakers joining its already-announced programme for 10–11 June in Hull, with a final cohort to be revealed shortly.

An interview with ‘Isabelle’ writer, Marc Graham

by editor29 April 202622 April 2026

Isabelle is a brand-new play about the thorny issue of inheritance and the first show to open Middle Child’s new studio theatre at 69 Humber Street in Hull.

Book now for Middle Child’s latest show in their brand-new venue

by editor27 April 202627 April 2026

Tickets are on sale for Isabelle by Marc Graham, a world premiere about the “taboo” subject of inheritance that will open Hull’s newest theatre on Humber Street in May.

New shows on sale now at Hull Theatres

by editor24 April 202624 April 2026

Get ready to relive timeless hits and discover a global phenomenon as Hull Theatres announces three new shows offering something for every music lover.

Burton Constable Hall brings 200-year-old botanical collection back into the light

by editor24 April 202624 April 2026

This season, Burton Constable Hall invites visitors to discover The Curiosity Garden, a rare opportunity to see one of its most remarkable collections brought together for the first time in over two centuries.

Hull jewels set to sparkle in spectacular laser and classical collaboration

by editor23 April 202623 April 2026

The Hull Philharmonic Orchestra is joining forces with Indigo Shiba lasers in a dazzling performance this month.

Subject Matters – Studio Eleven’s new exhibition

by editor23 April 202623 April 2026

This exhibition from 24th April to 6th June brings together a compelling group of artists whose practices explore the expressive and tactile possibilities of clay, paint, and material form.

National Year of Reading and World Book Night team up to deliver biggest ever Reading Hour

by editor23 April 202622 April 2026

Taking place from 7pm to 8pm on Thursday 23rd April 2026, the Reading Hour encourages people everywhere to do one simple thing: read something they love. Whether it’s a novel on the sofa, an audiobook in the kitchen, or a magazine on the commute, the message is clear – any book, any format, any place.

New community art exhibition opens at Streetlife Museum

by editor22 April 202622 April 2026

A new community‑focused art exhibition celebrating creativity, inclusion and growth is set to open this Saturday (26th April) at the Streetlife Museum.

New Director appointed at Pocklington Arts Centre

by editor19 April 202619 April 2026

Pocklington Arts Centre has announced the appointment of Kelly Munro-Fawcett as its new Venue Director, marking an exciting new chapter for one of East Yorkshire’s most valued cultural venues.

Hull poet Maurice Rutherford to be celebrated in show at Hull Truck Theatre

by editor18 April 202618 April 2026

The Hull poet Maurice Rutherford, who died last year at the august age of 103, is to be celebrated in a special show at Hull Truck Theatre on Saturday 9th May 2026.

Artlink Hull Presents Isaac Yeboah: Daylight Comes Through the Cracks

by editor17 April 202617 April 2026

Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery is proud to present Daylight Comes Through the Cracks, a new exhibition by Ghanaian artist Isaac Yeboah, opening on 2nd May 2026.

Cast and creative team announced for UK and Ireland tour of Zog

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story Zog flies back onto the stage for a major UK and Ireland tour this year, including a run at Hull Truck Theatre.

Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote comes to the Hull Truck Theatre

Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote comes to Hull Truck Theatre on Wednesday 20th May, with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “A Fashionable Way to Die”. Jessica Fletcher visits Paris to support her friend’s fashion show, but soon there’s a murder that only she (or you!) can solve.

£200k Boost to transform Hull Central Library into ‘Space to Inspire’

Hull Culture and Leisure Library Services has been awarded £203,175 of funding by the DCMS for its ‘Space to Inspire’ project.

UNTHINKABLE film festival opens submissions for 2026

by editor27 February 202627 February 2026

Hull’s daring celebration of short filmmaking is gearing up for its biggest year yet. UNTHINKABLE, the city’s home‑grown short film festival and registered charity, has officially opened submissions for this year’s festival, taking place 6-11 October 2026 at venues across the city.

Sam Scherdel joins forces with Hull NHS Choir to release choral version of his 2M-stream global hit

by editor15 April 20268 May 2026

Sheffield-born singer-songwriter Sam Scherdel is set to release a special choral version of his breakout hit “Somewhere in the Middle” following a surge in international acclaim following recent tours around the UK and USA.

You shall go to the ball as Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella heads to Hull New Theatre

by editor15 April 202615 April 2026

Experience the classic fairytale as you’ve never experienced it before as Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures return to Hull New Theatre with Cinderella from 23 – 27 February 2027.

Cassidy Janson announces spring 2026 show coming to Hull Truck Theatre

by editor10 April 202610 April 2026

Join Olivier award winner and leading lady Cassidy Janson as she honours the music of icon Carole King who she played for two years in ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ in London’s West End.

Steeleye Span to perform at Hull City Hall

by editor8 April 20268 April 2026

Together for fifty-six years now, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours.

Creative Careers Unlocked: A practical guide for supporting students into the creative industries

by editor2 April 20262 April 2026

Creative Careers Unlocked invites readers to rethink how we define and approach creative success.

New culture hub for Middle Child supported by city centre grant

by editor2 April 20262 April 2026

Hull theatre company Middle Child will create a new cultural, community and commercial hub thanks to support from Hull City Council’s government-backed City Centre Grant scheme.

Q&A with John Godber on ‘Teechers: New Year, Same Problems’

by editor2 April 20262 April 2026

John Godber, one of the UK’s most-performed living playwrights, revisits his classic school comedy with a newly updated 2026 tour. Sharper, fresher and more relevant than ever, Teechers runs at Hull Truck Theatre from 21-31 April.

‘Brilliant’ and free exhibition train heads to Hull

by editor31 March 202631 March 2026

An exhibition inside a train that’s packed with amazing stories and interactive fun is heading to Hull – and it’s completely free to visit.

Make It Count at Louth Riverside Theatre

by editor27 March 202627 March 2026

What if you died… and got one chance to win the love of your life all over again?

What’s on this Easter at Hull Truck Theatre

by editor26 March 202626 March 2026

Are you ready to have an egg-stra special Easter? Hull Truck Theatre present an egg-citing variety of work this April.

Artists call-out for 2026 Open Exhibition submissions

by editor25 March 202625 March 2026

Artists are being given the opportunity to submit their artwork for the Ferens Art Gallery’s 2026 Open Exhibition.

HEY Creative appoints City of Culture champion as new Chief Officer

by editor20 March 202620 March 2026

Cultural partnership HEY Creative has appointed a senior leader at the forefront of the UK’s latest City of Culture as its new Chief Officer.

Hull College students prepare to ‘Press to Impress’ with exciting art and design exhibition

by editor20 March 202620 March 2026

Creative talent from Hull College will take centre stage this month as students from the Access to HE Art & Design course unveil a brand-new exhibition celebrating their work.

The voice of the 80s returns with a swinging celebration of classic crooners and his own timeless hits

by editor19 March 202619 March 2026

Tony Hadley is delighted to announce a brand new UK tour for 2026 – performing classic crooner tracks and Spandau Ballet hits mixed together with some Christmas favourites.

Middle Child announce first show in new Humber Street theatre

by editor12 March 202612 March 2026

A world premiere about the “taboo” issue of inheritance will open Hull’s newest theatre on Humber Street in May.

Freedom Festival secures four-year funding for year-round cultural expansion

by editor12 March 202612 March 2026

Freedom Festival Arts Trust (FFAT) has secured funding from the Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation to deliver arts, culture, and heritage activities throughout the year – reaching communities locally, regionally, and nationally far beyond the annual Freedom Festival.

Hull’s annual cultural conference Cultural Tides returns to Hull Truck this week

by editor10 March 202610 March 2026

Now in its third year, the popular conference attracts members of the culture industry from across the country to listen, learn and share their thoughts on a number of key subjects within the sector.

Alastair Clark’s Record Store Comedy Tour

by editor7 March 20267 March 2026

Comedian Alastair Clark’s acclaimed love-letter-to-record-collecting tours the UK’s best independent record stores.

Pocklington Arts Centre’s Comedy Festival returns in 2026

by editor7 March 20267 March 2026

Pocklington Arts Centre’s Comedy Festival will return for a second year on Saturday 30th May, building on the success of its inaugural event in 2025.

Experience the hilarious king of crowd work on the big screen for the first time.

by editor7 March 20267 March 2026

Cinemalive presents an exclusive comedy cinema event in over 350 cinemas nationwide from Friday 17th April.

Children’s charity to celebrate 30 years with landmark takeover exhibition at Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery

by editor6 March 20266 March 2026

Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University (HEYCU) and Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery have announced a commemorative art exhibition to celebrate HEYCU’s 30th anniversary milestone.

Spring starts with a punchline at Hull Truck Theatre

A lively line-up awaits audiences this Spring as Hull Truck Theatre showcases a rich variety of outrageous comedians and inspirational dramas! Plus, there will be true crime, film, musical re-imaginings and imaginative family shows that will make for the perfect Easter half term entertainment.

Studio Eleven Gallery presents Figure It Out

by editor27 February 202627 February 2026

Figure It Out features a dynamic mix of contemporary ceramics and painting; showcasing the unique voices of Jemma Gowland, Sam Fowler, and Louise Bass.

Heathers the Musical returns to Hull New Theatre

Hey-yo Hull! Ready for a new term at Westerberg High? Heathers – The Musical makes a much-anticipated return to Hull New Theatre from Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th February 2027.

Hold your nerve as Paranormal Activity heads to Hull New Theatre

Things are about to get spooky over at Hull New Theatre as the chilling theatrical experience Paranormal Activity heads to the city from 20th – 24th April 2027. Originally developed at Leeds Playhouse, audiences in Hull now have the chance to witness the haunting phenomenon that has taken the West End by storm.

The Full Monty bears all at Hull New Theatre to celebrate 30th anniversary

Looking for some hot stuff to put a spring in your step? The Full Monty makes a welcome return to Hull New Theatre from Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th March 2027.

Oh là là! Hull Philharmonic celebrates French classical greats

A towering orchestral masterpiece will provide a magnificent climax to the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra’s Vive la Musique concert this month.

Go, go, go Hessle Theatre Company: A technicolor show bursts onto the Hull New Theatre stage

Award-winning Hessle Theatre Company is thrilled to bring ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ to Hull New Theatre from 10–14 March 2026, in a vibrant new production of the world’s favourite family musical.

The Grand Babylon Hotel at Hull Truck Theatre: Q&A with Deborah McAndrew and Conrad Nelson

The Grand Babylon Hotel is a rollicking comedy thriller, with a virtuoso cast of five bringing you many faces, chases, glamour, intrigue, and a couple of German princes thrown in for good measure.

Limbering up for Las Vegas: St Mary’s College students take on a global stage

With just over a week until departure, students from the St Mary’s College Hull Performance Academy have been in rehearsals recently in preparation for the performance of a lifetime at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at the end of February.

Arts

Stage4Beverley 2026 celebrates 10 years

by editor11 February 202611 February 2026

Last week saw the 10th anniversary of the Stage4Beverley Winter festival in Beverley, with over half of the events sold out in advance, including two performances by our Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, plus workshops in singing and poetry, and performances from the spoken word and music to dance.

Critically acclaimed West End production featuring Frances Barber comes to Hull cinema

One of the most acclaimed theatre events in recent years, MUSIK will come to cinemas across the UK for a very special big-screen release, bringing its raw electricity to the cinema for the first time.

Theatre review: Macbeth at Hull Truck Theatre

by editor11 February 202611 February 2026

Our Editor, Rich Sutherland, shares his thoughts on Macbeth at Hull Truck Theatre.

Exhibition celebrating women who changed the world opens at the Museums Quarter

by editor10 February 202610 February 2026

A bold and uplifting new exhibition opens this week at the Museums Quarter, honouring twenty women whose achievements have shaped the course of history from the 1500s to the present day.

A Technicolor Dreamcoat bursts onto the Hull New Theatre stage

by editor10 February 202610 February 2026

Hull New Theatre is Go, Go, Go, for Hessle Theatre Company’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from 10 -14 March 2026, with a vibrant new production of one the world’s favourite family musical.

Ferens Art Gallery invites visitors ‘behind the scenes’ for Unpacked Season

by editor10 February 202610 February 2026

Visitors to the Ferens Art Gallery are being offered a rare opportunity to experience Hull’s much‑loved art collection as they’ve never seen it before. The Ferens Unpacked Season lifts the lid on the inner workings of a major public gallery, inviting audiences to explore, question, and help shape the future of this cultural landmark as it moves towards its centenary in 2027.

Colosseum of Chaos at Hull Truck Theatre

by editor9 February 20269 February 2026

Welcome to the Colosseum, where two idiot Gladiators will fight for your enjoyment and the amusement of the Almighty Amazon Alexa.

Comedy thriller The Grand Babylon Hotel visits Hull Truck Theatre

by editor9 February 20269 February 2026

Claybody Theatre in association with New Vic Theatre are delighted to be visiting Hull with Arnold Bennett’s rollicking comedy thriller, The Grand Babylon Hotel. The company visits Hull Truck Theatre from Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th March 2026.

New shows on sale this week at Hull City Hall

by editor9 February 20269 February 2026

From iconic music history and spellbinding family concerts to razor-sharp stand-up and improvised comedy, Hull Theatres welcomes an eclectic mix of world-class entertainment in 2026, with tickets for a host of standout shows now on sale.

What’s on at Hull Truck Theatre this February

by editor4 February 20264 February 2026

Hull Truck Theatre are excited to begin February with a brand-new must-see show of the season: Macbeth (Thu 5th – Sat 28th February). Premiering in Hull, Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy has been co-produced with regional theatre partners; Octagon Theatre Bolton and Derby Theatre and is also touring to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.

Arts

Grants to arts funding reopens for creatives in Hull

by editor4 February 20264 February 2026

Hull City Council’s annual fund for arts organisations has reopened, with the application details now live on the council’s website.

Humber Street Gallery appoints new CEO and Artistic Director

by editor30 January 202630 January 2026

Humber Street Gallery has announced the appointment of Dave McLeavy as its new Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the gallery and the charity that operates it, Absolutely Cultured.

New shows on sale this week at Hull City Hall

by editor30 January 202630 January 2026

A trio of fantastic music heads to Hull City Hall in 2026 with operatic excellence from a Britain’s Got Talent winner, an evening with rock royalty and a fabulously festive treat for the entire family.

New arts partnership for Hull Trinity Market

Hull City Council has announced a bold new partnership with Feral Art School and Trinity Market. The year-long pilot programme will begin to transform one of the city’s most historic indoor markets into a vibrant hub for contemporary art, creativity, and community engagement.

Creative Voice Dance returns to Hull New Theatre

Celebrate the next generation of dancers and choreographers as Creative Voice, Hull Dance Move Together and East Riding Youth Dance take over Hull New Theatre next week.

James Acaster: ‘Cinemagoers Welcome’

Audiences are invited to experience one of the most daring live comedy events of recent years from the comfort of their local cinema, as James Acaster brings his acclaimed stand-up experiment to the big screen with JAMES ACASTER: CINEMAGOERS WELCOME, exclusively in cinemas from Friday 6th March.

The John Godber Company returns to Hull Truck with the classic comedy ‘Teechers’