A History of Music in Hull
Timeline
1197-1210
First mention of a church in what would become Hull: the chapel of Myton. The Roman Catholic priests would have sung the services and prayers, using a type of music called Gregorian Chant (its origins are Roman). This was an international musical repertoire, used throughout the Roman Catholic world, with local variations. The services and prayers were sung in Latin, with specific chants for services throughout the church year. Many of these chants formed the basis for later music, and are still used today.
c.1280-1300
Holy Trinity church (Sancta Trinitas) was built, and a graveyard at its western end was licenced in 1301. The dedication of the church matched that of the Town (the Feast of the Holy Trinity). The market held on this Feast Day would later become known as Hull Fair.
1289
The Carmelite Friary (now the site of Trinity House) is first mentioned. The friars (monks) used plainchant to sing the services and prayers in Latin. The Carmelites are a ‘closed’ monastic order, meaning that the monks lived and worked within the confines of the Friary. They wore white robes, hence Whitefriargate.
c.1300
The choir of Holy Trinity Church has existed from at least 1320, including choir boys who would sing a very large repertoire of decorated chants. This role provided an education for the boys. Consequently, Hull Minster Choir has a 700-year history, more than a century older than King’s College Cambridge!
St Mary’s Church Lowgate and the Augustinian (Black) Friary would have also followed a very similar patterns of sung worship (Gregorian Chant) from circa 1320.
Music was also secular. Ballads were sung. ‘Robin Hood and the Monk’ is one of the oldest surviving ballads of Robin Hood, and dates from around 1450. It is probable that ballads like this were known and perhaps even sung by Hull’s townsfolk.
It is likely that musical influences came through port towns like Hull, via trade with merchants from all over Europe, including some who had permanent offices here. Musical influences and instruments were also brought into the country from Europe, Byzantium, and Arabia via the Crusades.
1350s
The Guild of the Blessed Virgin Mary started to pay for the provision and maintenance of organs at Holy Trinity, as well as for the education of the singing boys
A large variety of medieval musical instruments can be seen being played by carved angels in Holy Trinity church (Hull Minster) dating from circa 1360 – 1425. (Beverley Minster has an even larger collection of such carvings.)
1394-5
First mention of two minstrels employed by the Corporation for the purpose of entertainment on civic occasions.
1442-3
Payments being made to minstrels are recorded.
1448
During the reign of Henry VI the Corporation “delivered to Walter Shilling, Minstrel of the town, one collar with 34 crowns… for its safe custody.”
1461-1536
The Mystery Play ‘Noah’ was performed annually on Plough Day. The singing was provided by two priests, ‘the clerk’ and the choir boys of Holy Trinity, with other music performed by the town Waits. The major roles were Noah (fee of 1 shilling) Noah’s wife (fee of 8 pence (8d) ) and God (10d).
1463
Payments to minstrels mentioned to in the Account Book of the Corporation.
1473
Possibly the first private play in Hull took place outside of Holy Trinity. Little is known of early plays in Hull but at this time these were based on bible stories with an emphasis on moral messages but may have included some form of religious music.
1490
Contributions and donations made towards building a new organ in Holy Trinity Church.
1538-9
After almost two and a half centuries the White Friars together with Augustinian Friary on Market-place ceased their sung worship when the houses were surrendered during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII.
1600 onwards
Continued references to musicians, (or “waites” as they were known) who served ceremonial and practical duties.
1629
Mr. Roper restored as a Waite. (a Waite is a member of a musical band that played in towns and cities. Mr Roper was engaged by the Corporation for this purpose.
1649
In churches: organ music and choirs were banned during the Commonwealth (1649 – 1660).
1685
The Town Waites are named as John Beane, John Linkhooke, William Phillips and Robert Bowers and entertained for a year as Town Waites. They agree to play every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday until further notice.
1711
A second-hand organ was installed in Holy Trinity to replace the instrument damaged/destroyed during the Civil War era. Some pipes from this organ are still used in the current instrument. Funds were raised via public subscription, including notable figures such as William Wilberforce (Senior) and Benjamin Blaydes.
1725
Birth of William Mason, son of the Vicar of Holy Trinity. He would go on to fame as ‘Mason the poet’. He was also a painter and composer. His anthem ‘Lord of all power and might’ is written in a contemporary (Haydnesque) manner and was sung regularly at Holy Trinity (and again in recent years).
1731
Francis Cleavin admitted as one of the towns musicians.
1751
Matthias Hawdon: elected as Organist of Holy Trinity Church. He helped to bring Oratorio performances to the North-East of England for the first time, and was part of a network of musicians ranging from Halifax to Newcastle who staged regular seasons of Subscription Concerts, including in Hull. He composed and published a range of works, including songs, sonatas and concertos for organ, harpsichord.
1757
Composer, harpsichordist, and organist Richard Justice died. His only surviving composition is Six Sets of Lessons for the Harpsichord. Each of these six pieces are written in three movements and are written in an Italian style reminiscent of the compositions of Domenico Scarlatti. The influence of Handel can also be seen in his work. He unsuccessfully competed for the post of organist at Holy Trinity Church, Hull in 1751. From 1755 until his death in November 1757 he served as the organist at St Mary’s Lowgate.
1760
Subscription and Benefit concerts became a frequent feature of Hull’s musical culture, as did the Hull Music Festival. Ensembles were often a combination of local musicians and those from the wider North-Eastern region. Musicians would travel between Newcastle, York, Doncaster, Halifax, Leeds, Beverley and Hull as a matter of routine. The repertoire was largely grounded in Handel and contemporary composers (late Baroque/Classical era).
1789
Election of George Lambert as Organist of Holy Trinity (held the post for 48 years). During his tenure the choral tradition fell into disrepair.
1789
Handel Commemoration concerts in Holy Trinity (Grand Music Festival). The festival featured nationally famous soloists and the boys of the Chapel Royal. The audience was reputedly only exceeded by the festivals held in Westminster Abbey and Worcester Cathedral.
1792
Grand Music Festival: Holy Trinity and the Theatre Royal, replicating the Handelian programme performed in Westminster Abbey during 1784. Again, this festival featured some of the most famous performers of the period.
1792
Trumpeters performed at the election of Aldermen as well as official dinners of the Corporation.
c.1808
Hull Harmonic Society formed as a private club of which members sang glees (unaccompanied part songs) at the Dog and Duck public house on Scale Lane
1812
Grand Music Festival in Holy Trinity, featuring Madame Catalini, Griesbach, Erskine and other famous musicians.
1812
Hull Oratorio Society is founded, giving monthly performances at the Adelphi Hall in Mason Street.
1823
John Bacchus Dykes was born. He was one of Victorian England’s most significant hymn composers, setting more than 300 hymns to music, including Eternal Father, strong to save (better known as …for those in peril on the sea) which was played at the funerals of President John F. Kennedy and HRH Duke of Edinburgh. It is believed his composition for Nearer thy Good to Thee was played by the ship’s band to instil calmness as the Titanic went down.
It is important to note that hymns were a relatively new form of singing, pioneered by the Weslyan Methodists. At this time, Methodism was becoming an enormously popular choice for the people of Hull, with many chapels and Anglican churches being built during the 19th Century. By 1825, there were 12 pipe organs installed in the town. Consequently, organists were employed and choirs were formed. It is the scale of this musical community that enabled Hull to sustain large ensembles such as choral societies, all of whom would have performed sophisticated music, reading from musical notation/scores.
1823
Hull Choral Society formed, replacing Hull Oratorio Society, George Skelton becoming the main musical director from 1826, using Holy Trinity for its early performances, thereafter moving to the new Public Rooms on Jarratt Street in 1832.
1824
Anne Ross Cousin (née Cundell) born. Poet, musician and songwriter. She was a student of John Muir Wood and later became a popular writer of hymns, most especially “The Sands of Time Are Sinking”.
1827
Birth of John Enderby Jackson, Hull pioneer of the British tradition of brass band competitions.
1832
Niccolo Paganini the most celebrated violinist virtuoso of his time performed at Hull’s Theatre Royal in February.
1834
Hull’s new Assembly Rooms opened and featured various musical acts over its almost 100-year history, including the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, Hull School of Music Operatic Recital and Needler’s Musical Society’s Musical Carnival.
In October, 1834, another three days’ Grand Music Festival was held in Holy Trinity church, when Clara Novello, Braham, Henry Phillips and others were the principals, with Sir Geo. Smart (in whose house Weber died in 1826) as conductor, and Mr. Skelton assistant conductor and superintendent of the chorus. Among the instrumentalists were the foremost players of the day, including Lindley (violoncello), Dragonetti and Plowell (double basses), Puzzi (horn). Harper (trumpet), and Chipp (drums).
The 11-year-old J B Dykes was smuggled into the adult soprano chorus because of his sight-reading ability and pure singing voice. He was spotted by Sir George Smart during rehearsals and removed from the chorus.
The repertoire of this festival is revealing in terms of musical ambition and capability:
Handel’s ‘Dettingham Te Deum’, Haydn’s ‘Creation’, Beethoven’s ‘Mount of Olives’, Mendelssohn’s ‘St Paul’, Spohr’s ‘Calvary’, and Handel’s ‘Judas Maccabeus’ (other works were also performed).
1838
George Skelton appointed as organist of Holy Trinity.
1840
Hull’s Zoological Gardens hosted a band every day during its first week, whilst in the later 19th century local regimental military bands would perform (weather permitting).
1840
Franz Liszt, the great composer and piano virtuoso, performed in Hull (to somewhat indifferent reviews!) at the Concert Rooms in Kingston Square on the 11th December.
1843
Hull Sacred Harmonic Society founded by George Leng, including orchestral players and choir singers, capable of performing Handel oratorios.
1843
Organ builders Forster and Andrews was founded by James Alderson Forster and Joseph King Andrew. They became one of the leading UK manufacturers of pipe organs, and exported instruments to Africa, Central America, Canada and Australia.
1845
The choral tradition of Holy Trinity was restored to a national standard, reinstituting the choir of men and boys. The first service included music by Tallis, Clarke and Boyce. Hull was among the earliest examples of the choral revival, and one of the leading choirs in the country (ahead of the Oxbridge colleges and many cathedrals in this regard).
1845
Forster and Andrews commissioned to further their work on the organ of Holy Trinity Church, significantly enlarging and improving the instrument installed in 1711.
1849
Mr George Leng was appointed as Organist of St Mary Lowgate.
St Mary Lowgate organ was rebuilt and enlarged by Mr J. Beeforth of Hull.
1850
Hull Vocal Society founded by George Skelton, performing secular repertoire of a demanding standard, including the music of many Tudor madrigalists. Initially the high voice parts were sung by the boys of Holy Trinity, but swiftly expanded to include repertoire from popular operas.
1855
Kingston Cotton Mill Band formed.
1860
Charles Kenningham was born in Hull. An opera singer and actor best remembered for his roles in the 1890s with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company.
1861
Hull Police Band formed (now called the Humberside Police Band).
1862
Concerts formed in the saloon of the Mechanics Institute, George Street.
1865
Alfred Hollins is born. Blind from birth, Alfred became an internationally renowned concert pianist, concert organist, and composer of instrumental and choral works.
1866
John Dunn born. The most prominent English violinist at the turn of the 20th century and a composer. He was considered especially successful in interpreting works by Niccolò Paganini.
1871
Charles D’Almaine born. Violinist with the New York Metropolitan Opera and first violin of the Grand Opera house in Chicago, a chiropractor, and a pioneer recording artist.
1877
Forster and Andrews asked to rebuild the organ at Temple Church, London only enhancing their reputation.
1881
Hull Philharmonic Society was formed when a group of seventeen like-minded men met at the George Hotel in Hull, to form a society for ‘the private and Public Performance of Orchestral Music at Hull’, the Hull Philharmonic Society is one of the oldest surviving music societies in Hull.
1882
Hull Philharmonic holds its first concert at the Public Assembly Rooms, Jarratt Street. The Society has provided the city with musical entertainment ever since, and continues to stage concerts at the City Hall and special events throughout the city.
1883
Holy Trinity Choir School is founded in the old Grammar School building.
1884
Hull Musical Union founded.
1886
International concert pianist, conductor and composer Ethel Leginska was born. Real name Ethel Liggins, she performed for the future Edward VII aged 10. She performed to audiences of 30,000 at the Hollywood Bowl and was the first woman to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic. She was also the first woman to conduct her own opera in a major opera house (Chicago), as well as campaigning for cheaper tickets to concerts. She died in 1970.
1900
Hull Ladies Musical Union formed.
1904
Hull and East Riding College of Music opened on Albion Street
1906
Hull’s first Festival of Music took place at Hull’s Assembly Rooms on 30 May.
1909
Sir Edward Elgar conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in one of the first concerts in the new Hull City Hall on 26 October. He stayed at the Royal Station Hotel, subsequently writing that he ‘had a great ovation and success.”
Elgar led the orchestra in his First Symphony, premiered the previous December in London. Wakefield born contralto Phyllis Lett then sang Sea Pictures, (almost certainly the first to do so in Hull). Then, after Elgar conducted his Wand of Youth Suite No. 2, a Pomp and Circumstances March (probably No. 1) and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, Phyllis added the familiar Ombra mai fu (Handel’s Largo)
1911
Hull City Hall formally opened.
1911
Forster & Andrews commissioned to build the City Hall organ. It is one of the largest instruments in the UK.
1911
Hull Male Voice Choir formed.
1912
East Hull Musical Union founded.
1926
Singer Ronnie Hilton was born.
1928
James Radford was born. Folk singer-songwriter, peace campaigner and community activist. He was also the youngest known participant in the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, aged only 15, as a galley boy upon Empire Larch, a deep-sea rescue tug.
1929
Hull Choral Union founded as a result of the amalgamation of the Hull Harmonic Society and Hull Vocal Society.
1933
Louis Armstrong, legendary jazz trumpeter player, performed two concerts on the Beverley Road in Hull with his Harlem Band. The first was at the Tivoli Theatre and the second at Beverley Road Baths. The Hull Daily Mail described Armstrongs’s performance to 300 people as “wizardry.”
1934
The Regal Cinema opened. Better known as the ABC from 1937 it was the venue for the visit of The Beatles in 1963 and 1964 and the Rolling Stones who played in 1964.
1937
Holy Trinity Organ: rebuilt and enlarged by John Compton, making it the largest parish church instrument in the UK. It is now the largest derelict musical instrument in the UK. There are renewed efforts to bring this instrument back into use through significant fund raising.
1946
Mick Ronson was born.
1947
Hull Musical Union Club ceases.
1949
Hull Ladies Choir formed.
1950
Spiders from Mars members Trevor Boulder and Mick ‘Woody’ Woodmansey were born.
1950
The composer John Joubert was appointed to a lectureship at the University of Hull. He wrote some of his most famous choral works during his time in Hull, including Torches, There is no Rose and O Lorde, the maker of al thing. These works were written in his university flat in Pearson Park, occupied immediately afterwards by Philip Larkin (this is the flat of High Windows fame).
1950
Keith Hale born. Songwriter, composer, record producer, performer and music teacher, most notable for his work with Toyah Willcox, Hawkwind and Ginger Baker.
1951
Hull Bach Choir founded by Peter Goodman at Holy Trinity. The choir performed St Matthew’s Passion in 1956, alongside Holy Trinity Choir.
1951
Christine Carol Newby born. Better known as Cosey Fanni Tutti – English performance artist, musician and writer, best known for her time in the avant-garde groups Throbbing Gristle and Chris & Cosey.
1951
John Bentley born. Bass guitarist with Squeeze.
1952
Hull Junior Philharmonic Orchestra formed as a platform for young people to play musical instruments.
1955
Hull singer and impressionist Joe Longthorn born.
1957
The UK’s first entry in the Eurovision Song contest was All performed by the 22 year old Hull actress and amateur opera singer, Patricia Bredin.
1958
Arthur Bergan began providing instrumental lessons to 10 Hull schools, famously transporting violins by trolley bus! This was the start of what became Hull Music Service.
1960
Hull City Council appoints its first Music Advisor – David Clover. He subsequently became Music Advisor for Sheffield in 1967 and later founded what is now the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.
1961
Hull Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir were formed.
1961
Roland Gift of the Fine Young Cannibals was born.
1961
Paul David Dakeyne born. Known by his stage name Tinman is a house music producer/remixer. In 1994, his single Eighteen Strings became an international club hit.
1962
Hull Savoy Singers began giving concerts of Sullivan’s music.
1963
Ye Olde Blue Bell, near Hull’s Indoor Market became the centre of Hull’s folk scene with the formation of Folk Union One Club there.
1963
University of Hull’s first music undergraduates begin their course. Originally founded as a college in 1928 and approved as a University in 1954, today the Music Department has industry-standard recording studios including one of the finest ambisonic studios in the country. The 406 seater Middleton Hall has also been refurbished and transformed into a world-class venue.
1964
Rock and roll band, Hull’s Aces released their second single, I Count the Tears, a cover of the Drifters hit. They would also support the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
1965
Hull folk group, The Watersons, released their first album, Frost and Fire.
1967
Geoffrey Heald-Smith succeeds David Clover as Hull’s Music Advisor. A former pianist with the Max Jaffa Trio, Heald-Smith conducted the Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra in many memorable concerts including with internationally acclaimed artists Paul Tortelier (cello) and Jack Brymer (clarinet) The orchestra made a number of LP recordings under his baton including The Orchestral Works of Havergal Brian (recorded at Hull City Hall in 1979)
1967
Hull band, The Rats, of which Mick Ronson was a member recorded their first album, The Rise and Fall of Bernie Gripplestone at Hull’s Fairview Studios.
1970
The Hype formed by David Bowie and featured Mick Ronson, John Cambridge and Woody Woodmansey began recording with on Bowie for the album, The Man Who Sold the World.
1972
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was released.
1972
Hull’s Mick Ronson co-produced Lou Reed’s album, Transformer which featured the hit ‘Take a walk on the Wild Side.
1978
Ska band, Akrylykz formed, and featured Roland Gift as their saxophonist and later lead singer and frontman.
1979
Although a club, Spiders has become firmly established as one of Hull’s favourite venues for music over the years, and continues to be a popular venue for not only Hull’s residents but also Hull’s large student population.
1981
Opera North delivered their first production in Hull at the New Theatre July 2nd 1981 – Weber’s opera Der Freischutz.
1982
Taking their name from a local shop on Beverley Road, Sophisti-pop/ electronic duo Everything but the Girl formed in Hull. Also formed in the same year were The Gargoyles.
1982
Sade formed in London in 1982 and named after their lead singer, Sade Adu. Three members, Paul Anthony Cooke, Stuart Mathewman, and Paul Spencer Denman were born in Hull.
1982
HullJazz – “The best of local and regional jazz at Hull’s longest running session” was founded.
1983
The Housemartins formed.
1984
Hull’s Adelphi Club opened, hosting bands such as Stone Roses, Radiohead and Oasis.
1984
The Housemartins first performed at the University of Hull in October.
1985
Philip Larkin died. Known as a poet, novelist, and librarian he moved to Hull in 1955 and worked at the University of Hull. He was also one of Britian’s most astute jazz critics. He covered jazz for the Daily Telegraph from 1961 to 1968 and was a frequent visitor to Hull and Beverley’s jazz clubs.
1986
The Housemartins released their debut album, London 0 Hull 4. In that same year they released their cover of Caravan of Love which went to number one in November this year.
1988
Originally the Humberside Ice Arena, the Hull Arena opened. It has seen music performances over the years by the Artic Monkeys, Faithless, Kings of Leon, Oasis, Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran, and David Gray.
1988
The Housemartins split. Paul Heaton and Dave Hemmingway of the Housemartins formed The Beautiful South in this same year.
1988
Calum Scott born. Pop singer. He rose to prominence in April 2015 after competing on the ITV talent contest Britain’s Got Talent, where he performed his version of Robyn’s hit Dancing on My Own and earned Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer.
1989
The Fine Young Cannibals, second album, The Raw & the Cooked reached number one on the US Billboard, UK, Canada, and Australia. She Drives Me Crazy, their lead song from the album was nominated by MTV for Video of the year, Best Group Video, Breakthrough Video and Views Choice.
1989
City of Hull Band formed and is now the only Championship Section Band in the City. Historically there many more, including Hull Kingston Cotton Mills Band, Holmes Hall Tannery Band, Hull Railwaymen Band, Hull Waterloo Silver Band and St Georges Silver Band
1989
Chris Maynard succeeded Geoffrey Heald-Smith as Head of Hull Music Service. During this period the Music Service relocated from their original Park Street base to the Albemarle Youth Club on Ferensway and then in 2007 into the Albemarle Music Centre.
1990
Fine Young Cannibals scooped Best British Group and British Album of the Year for The Raw & the Cooked.
1990
Hull’s first sea shanty festival took place and ran until 2011.
1992
English pop duo Scarlet formed, featuring Cheryl Parker and Jo Youle. They are best known for their 1994 hit Independent Love Song.
1992
Hull Jazz Festival founded. Since its original 5 day event – Jazz on the Waterfront – the festival has produced over 1,300 shows, worked with over 7000 musicians and reached audiences of over 260,000.
1992
Hull Music Service was awarded a Diploma of Merit from the National Music Council of Great Britain.
2002
The MKM Stadium opened. Although a sports stadium, it has hosted music concerts and has hosted Sir Elton John, Bryan Adams, Neil Diamond, R.E.M, Bon Jovi and The Who.
2007
Hull’s first Freedom Festival began as part of the bicentennial commemorations of the first anti-slavery act in parliament in 1807, and has featured acts such as Pixie Lott, JLS, The Saturdays, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and The 1975, but also features many local bands and artists.
2007
The purpose-built Albemarle Music Centre opened as the new home of Hull Music Service. With a 300 seat auditorium, 100 seat upstairs performance space as well as 8 further studios, it provides a comprehensive range of ensembles and activities, as well as hosting partner activities and community music groups.
2009
Hull Music Service wins the Major Award from the National Music Council for the quality, breadth and depth of its provision.
2011
Hull Freedom Chorus formed. A fully accessible, inclusive group working on a project basis to promote singing and well-being.
2012
Hull’s Humber Street Sesh founded featuring emerging local musical acts and performers.
2012
Hull’s first folk festival took place. The Hull Folk and Maritime Festival and its related events are now organised by Folk in Hull, which is a registered charity.
2013
The relocation of Hull’s Trinity House School opened Zebedee’s Yard for events. It has played host to Professor Green, Scouting for Girls, and the Human League. In 2024 Hull’s own Calum Scott plays the venue whilst other acts will include Ocean Colour Scene, The Zutons and Razorlight.
2016
Stage@The Dock opened. Built on the South End Dry Dock (constructed in 1843), it is a space to inspire event producers, artists and creators is used as part of the Humber Street Sesh music festival as well as performances of Hip Hop and DJ.
2017
Hull is the UK’s City of Culture
2017
BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend was in Hull (Burton Constable) and attended by 50,000 people. It featured world music royalty, including Katy Perry, Emeli Sande, Little Mix, Shawn Mendes, Stormzy, Dua Lipa, Clean Bandit, Kings of Leon and Zara Larsson to name a few.
2017
As part of strengthening artistic, cultural and musical links between Hull and Freetown, Sierra Leone, the British Council’s World Voice brought schools together in both cities. A cultural delegation, including music service staff visited Freetown to delivery singing in Freetown schools.
2018
Hull’s Connexin Live, formerly the Bonus Arena opened. It has attracted musical greats, including Bob Dylan, Ne-Yo, Blondie, and Noel Gallagher.
2018
James Dickinson succeeds Chris Maynard as Head of Hull Music Service, becoming only the fourth holder of the post since its creation in 1960!
2021
Operating as a music venue for over 100 years, the legendary Wellington Club on Beverley Road re-opened after the COVID pandemic. It offered early chances to perform for Hull acts like Roland Gift, The Housemartins, The Beautiful South and Everything But the Girl.
2023
Inclusive Party in the Park was hosted at Craven Park by Aim High, a local charity who support families in Hull and the East Riding affected by mental health/autism in children and young people by organising music to bring communities together that is accessible for all.
2023
Hull hosted the first ever UK held INTERKULTUR International Choir Competition with over 7500 participants. Due to its huge success, the competition is returning to Hull in 2025
2023
Hull Music Service began donating decommissioned string, wind and brass instruments to Jacob’s Well to shipped to central Africa for reuse, repair and use in education programmes.
2024
Hull’s annual Humber Street Sesh to take place 3 August showcasing local music talent.
2024
Hull Music Service becomes Lead Partner for the Humber Music Hub, one of the 43 new Arts Council England funded regional Music Hubs for England.
2025
A new ambitious plan for culture approved by Hull City Council. The Culture & Heritage Strategy (2025-30) was published alongside the city’s first five-year Music Plan for Hull.
Hull City Council confirmed its intention to apply for the status of UNESCO Creative City of Music in a process that will run between now and 2027.