‘We’re incredibly proud to have worked with so many people from across Hull to bring ‘Our City’ to life’
One of the Show Globes set to form part of the spectacular processions at Our City.(Image: Luke Hallett)
Huge colourful processions of people will take to the streets this weekend to mark Hull’s first-ever ‘Our City’ celebration. More than 1,500 local people have helped to shape and create the event which will transform the city centre with two community processions on Saturday, March 14.
The evening’s activities of Our City – which is led by Hull arts charity Back to Ours and supported and funded by Hull City Council – will see Queen Victoria Square come alive in a spectacular open-air performance, ending with a short, low-noise fireworks finale. Over 1,000 local residents representing charities, organisations, sports teams, families and community groups will take part in the two walking processions across the day, each featuring four themed ‘Show Globes’, with hundreds more performers involved in the finale.
Written by local writer Russ Litten, the event finale tells the story of an ordinary Hull family, weaving together humour and moving moments with references to the city’s maritime heritage and key sporting milestones – from England’s 1966 World Cup victory to the successes of Hull FC, Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull City AFC. The production features local actors and musicians, hundreds of singers from Hull choirs including Freedom Chorus and All For One Choir, and a soundtrack of songs from The Housemartins, Coldplay, Queen and many more.
The celebrations start at 12pm with the first of two walking processions, featuring Hull residents and organisations such as RSPCA Hull & East Yorkshire, NAPA College, Sirius Academy West and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, alongside families, community groups and individuals. Each will adopt a theme based on the four ‘Show Globes’ – Enchanted Flower Globe, Living Snow Globe. Mystic Mirror Globe and Sea Sphere.
There will also performances throughout the afternoon in Queen Victoria Square, compered by Andy Train, including Chinese fan dancing from the Hon Lok Association and music from All For One Choir and Jessika-Mae. At Hull Minster, audiences can visit two light-based art installations, The Relic of Mirchwood Forest by Laura Spark and Eternal Ensemble by Onyva, between 10am and 6pm.
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Both works were commissioned by Hull City Council in partnership with Light up The North, through the Shine programme. Hull’s Eclectic Orchestra, Ukrainian Choir and Hull Visual Choir will also perform at the Minster during the day. A mini skateboarding park to learn and play will be set up in Trinity Square, in partnership with Hull Girls Skate and Active Sports.
Louise Yates, Back to Ours CEO and artistic director, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have worked with so many people from across Hull to bring ‘Our City’ to life. Last year we spoke to more than a thousand residents about what Hull means to them – history, family and sport came up again and again, and we loved hearing people talk about Hull’s unique spirit. Russ’s script captures all of that so well – it reflects the city’s humour and resilience, and celebrates the moments that have brought communities together.
“After our processions have lit up the city centre streets, we’ll gather everyone together in Queen Victoria Square for something special – and a few surprises too.”
Councillor Rob Pritchard, Hull City Council portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “What makes Our City so exciting is that it’s been created by Hull people, for Hull people. From all the residents and local organisations marching in the processions, to the finale’s story inspired by the feedback of communities across the city, to all the local performers – this is a celebration for everyone here. We’re pleased to support Back to Ours in making it happen.”
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