Arts charity will deliver entertainment ‘right in the heart of where people live’
Now That’s What I Call An Orchestra takes live music to the heart of Hull neighbourhoods(Image: Back to Ours)
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. Taking place throughout July and August, Back to Ours’ summer programme includes the return of the hugely popular Now That’s What I Call An Orchestra, the Right On Your Doorstep community tour, as well as a special evening performance at Willows Social Club.
All daytime events are completely free to attend, bringing high-quality arts experiences into the heart of Hull’s communities.
Now That’s What I Call An Orchestra
After a hugely successful tour of Hull neighbourhoods in 2024, Now That’s What I Call An Orchestra is back for a series of free performances across Hull, on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19. A collaboration between Back to Ours and Hull’s Eclectic Orchestra, the event will take place at six neighbourhood locations, where audiences can enjoy a whole hour of live music, featuring everything from movie soundtracks and modern classics to well-known favourites.
The orchestra will perform on Saturday, July 18 at:
- Bean Street Play Park, HU3 – 11am
- Orchard Centre, Orchard Park, HU6 – 2pm
- Setting Dyke Community Green Space, HU5 – 4.30pm
On Sunday, July 19, performances will be at:
- North Point Shopping Centre Atrium, Bransholme, HU7 – 11am
- Kilnsea Grove Green, HU9 – 2pm
- St Aidan’s Church Green, Southcoates Lane, HU9 – 4.30pm
Right On Your Doorstep
The free celebrations continue later in the month with Right On Your Doorstep, a new programme bringing music, circus, comedy and family entertainment to four Hull neighbourhoods during the summer holidays. Taking place between July 31 and August 22, each event will feature a different line-up of performers alongside walkabout entertainment, family activities and surprises.
Events will take place at:
- North Bransholme Community Shop, HU7 – Friday, July 31, 11.30am-2.30pm (including free barbecue)
- East Hull Community Farm, HU9 – Saturday, August 1, 10am-2pm (part of East Hull Community Farm’s Open Day)
- Gorthorpe/Dodthorpe, Orchard Park, HU6 – Sunday, August 2, noon-3pm
- Riley Way Playing Fields, HU3 – Saturday, August 22, noon-3pm
No booking is required for Now That’s What I Call An Orchestra or Right On Your Doorstep; residents can simply turn up and enjoy the entertainment. Louise Yates, artistic director and CEO of Back to Ours, said: “Summer is a brilliant time to get together with friends, family and neighbours, and our programme provides plenty of opportunities to do just that.
“We’re delighted to be bringing a full orchestra back to Hull communities, while our new Right On Your Doorstep programme will fill neighbourhoods with circus, comedy and live music, right in the heart of where people live. In addition to our neighbourhood events, we’re also supporting our long-term collaborators Pride in Hull and have two brilliant performers, Sheila Diamond and Beebi Del, appearing as part of this year’s Hull Pride line-up, on July 25.
“Everything we’re doing this summer reflects what Back to Ours is all about – bringing people together through shared experiences and making arts and culture accessible, welcoming and fun.”
Special evening at Willows
Alongside the free community programme, Back to Ours is also presenting Back to Ours & Friends at Willows on Friday, August 21. The ticketed evening event will feature performances from some of the artists appearing throughout the summer programme, including Big Men in Town, aerial hoop artist Kasey and spectacular LED performer Obby.
Tickets are available now via the Back to Ours website. Additional summer events supported by Back to Ours include Zebfest, Zebedee’s Yard, on Wednesday, July 22, 2.30pm to 6.30pm; Pride in Hull, city centre, on Saturday, July 25, from 11am; Pride in Place HU6 Fun Day, Orchard Park Plaza, Friday, August 21, noon to 3pm.