There will be a week of community events inspired by the remarkable life of Hull’s most beloved fundraiser
Bee Lady Day will return to Hull for 2026(Image: ageuk.org.uk/hull)
Bee Lady Day is set to return, Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire has announced. The week-long celebration is inspired by the remarkable life and legacy of Hull’s beloved fundraiser Jean Bishop, affectionately known as The Bee Lady.
The inaugural event in 2025 raised an incredible £15,000 for older people across Hull and East Yorkshire. Now, Bee Lady Day 2026 promises to be bigger, brighter, and buzzing with activity, with events taking place across the community throughout the week.
There will be pop-ups in supermarkets and community spaces, as well as school fundraisers, business involvement and large-scale public events. Bee Lady Day will bring people of all ages together to celebrate kindness, generosity and community spirit.
Simon Himsworth, Chief Executive Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to be back with Bee Lady Day 2026, celebrating the life and honouring the legacy of an extraordinary lady, Jean Bishop and her fundraising and community support. This year promises to be even bigger and better, with celebrations over a week in May, culminating in our Bee Lady Ball.
“We have so many ways businesses and our communities can get involved, from corporate sponsorships to volunteering helping our fundraising team, so please get in touch. Older people in our region represent nearly half of our population and we continue to work hard to grow and expand our support and services for our older communities and on behalf of our team, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at one of these events.”
As part of this year’s celebrations, Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire is also launching the Jean Bishop Legacy Award, recognising individuals who demonstrate the same compassion, determination and community spirit that defined Jean’s life. The public is invited to submit nominations until March 31, ensuring that Jean’s legacy continues by celebrating those who make a difference today.
The nominations will be shortlisted by a panel containing Jean’s family. Five shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend the Bee Lady Ball, where one overall winner will receive an award – but all nominees will get a joint prize.
John Bishop (Jean’s son), Jennifer Baldwin (daughter) and Ken Baldwin (son-in-law), said: “As a family we are delighted to be able to celebrate the second anniversary of The Bee Lady Day. Last year was such a great success and everyone entered into the spirit of the day.
“Jean would have been so pleased with the continued support that so many people have given on this special day. We would like to say a big thank you to Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire for their extremely hard work in making this such a memorable event, also everyone who gave their time and effort raising donations for this charity.”
Bee Lady Day is open to everyone — families, schools, community groups and businesses — and every pound raised helps Age UK Hull &; East Yorkshire continue supporting older people to live independently, stay connected and feel valued. For more information about events, fundraising, nominations or how to get involved, visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/hulleastyorkshire/bee-lady-day
A week of events
In the weeks ahead of Bee Lady Day, Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire will be out and about across the region with stalls in supermarkets and community venues, raising awareness and funds for vital local services. Highlights from Bee Lady Day week include:
- Friday, May 9 – Bee Lady in the Square: A free, family-friendly celebration in Queen Victoria Square, featuring activities, entertainment and opportunities to learn more about Jean Bishop’s inspiring story and get involved.
- Tuesday, May 13 – Bee-Dress Day & Buzz Walks: Schools and nurseries are encouraged to dress up in black and yellow for £1, or take part in a Buzz Walk, with Bertie Bee available to visit and cheer participants on. Local businesses are also invited to take part, hosting their own bee-themed fundraising activities to support older people in the region.
- Thursday, May 15 – The First Ever Bee Lady Ball (sponsored by Sparq and Golden Thread): The week will culminate in a very special black-tie event — the inaugural Bee Lady Ball — celebrating community champions who have been shortlisted for the Jean bishop Legacy Award, while raising funds to support Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire’s work.