Hull’s iconic grassroots music festival is back
Humber Street Sesh is set to draw the crowds again(Image: Tom Arran)
Hull’s iconic grassroots music festival Humber Street Sesh is back this weekend for a feast of music, food and socialising. More than 100 artists across ten stages will be taking part, with a new Music Cities Stage for 2026.
More family entertainment than ever before is promised by this year’s Sesh. If you need to find out what is happening, where, guides will be available at the entrances and will include a clash finder and site map – these are also available to download.
Find out all you need to know about Hull’s amazing one-day festival below.
When is it?
Saturday, August 1, from noon until 11pm (gates open at 11.15am). Last entry to the festival for wristband exchanges, or paying on the gate, is 9pm.
Where is the festival site?
On the vibrant East Side of the Marina and encompassing Wellington Street and Nelson Street, as well as stages within Social and Pier Street pop-up space. The rest of Humber Street and the Stage@theDock Amphitheatre will be operating as a free fringe area.
Festival entrances are on Humber Dock Street and Queen Street.
What’s on?
Music is at the heart of the festival, with more than 100 artists across ten stages, showcasing the region’s brightest emerging talent alongside acclaimed acts from across the UK. New for 2026, the Music Cities Stage, supported by Hull City Council, will welcome musicians from UNESCO Creative Cities across the UK and Europe, bringing fresh sounds and international talent to Hull.
Also making its debut is the Emerging Talent Stage, supported by Warren and Hull Music Service, showcasing the region’s next generation of musicians – today’s rising stars and tomorrow’s headliners. For full stage times, line-ups and the festival clash finder, visit humberstreetsesh.co.uk
Fun for all the family
There is more family entertainment than ever, with the return of the ever-popular Silent Disco, ScrapStore Creative Arts Marquee, face painting, photography exhibitions, Kingston Swing flash mobs, Iota Arts street performers and the colourful Bandanarama parade.
Fancy getting involved? Head to Stage@TheDock for interactive music masterclasses with East Riding College, where aspiring musicians of all ages can try drums and guitar.
New for this year is Hip Hop Karaoke – your chance to grab the mic, perform on the festival’s big screen and take centre stage between sets from professional MCs. Away from the stages, Curiosity Corner offers free taster sessions in yoga, chess, painting and street dance – the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill, try something different and meet new people.
Who is it for?
From live music and interactive workshops to art, dance, parades and family activities, Humber Street Sesh offers a full day of entertainment for all ages. Children aged 12 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult aged 18 or over.
Are there food vendors?
Come hungry! From authentic Greek gyros and Punjabi curries to stone-baked pizzas, Singaporean street food, gourmet hot dogs and slow-roasted hog roast, there is something for every taste. Don’t miss festival favourites including OH LA LA’s famous loaded fries and Mimi’s Horsebox for speciality coffee, bubble tea and sweet treats, alongside plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Festivalgoers are welcome to bring packed lunches and sealed bottles of water. Free water refill stations will be available at every bar, but no alcohol may be brought into the festival.
Are there plenty of bars?
The six festival bars, courtesy of Central Fusion Bar Operators, will be fitted with multi-dispense units that pour 12 pints in 20-30 seconds, ensuring queues are a thing of the past. Bars accept card payments only.
Is there a festival event guide?
Festival event guides made from recycled paper, will be available at the entrances and will include a clash finder and site map. The clash finder and site map can be downloaded from the website in advance.
There will also be plenty of signage with maps and stage line ups around the festival site. You’ll also see Donation QR codes, so if you’ve had a great time then you can donate to Humber Street Sesh CIC and help sustain the festival and invest in the community.
Event staff and volunteers will also be on hand for information and wayfinding.
Getting to the festival
Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport. There is no parking on the festival site.
The festival is around a 15-minute walk from Paragon Interchange, via Myton Bridge or the Murdoch’s Connection crossing. Hull Trains is offering free local travel for eligible wristband and ticket holders travelling from Doncaster, Selby, Howden and Brough.
Registration is required – visit the Travel section at humberstreetsesh.co.uk to book your free journey. The website also has cycle routes, bus information and full travel details.
Getting home
Taxi ranks are located in Lowgate, Guildhall Road and Ferensway Interchange.
Access information
The festival site is mainly flat with hard-standing surfaces, although some areas feature cobbled streets. Stage@TheDock is accessed via steps, with an accessible lift available to ground level.
Accessible toilets are located across the festival site. Please refer to the site map for locations.
Are there road closures in place?
Road closures start on Wednesday, July 29 at 8am and will remain in place until Monday, August 3 at 2pm. Maps of roads affected can be found on the festival website .
Tickets and wristbands
Buy tickets in advance for £30 (+ booking fee) via ther festival website or seetickets.com until midnight on July 31. Advance online tickets must be exchanged for a festival wristband before entry.
Wristbands can be exchanged in advance from The Information Pod (Paragon Interchange) or Social (Humber Street), or on the day from the Queen Street and Humber Dock Street festival entrances between 11.15am and 9pm.
Advance wristbands (£30 + £3 handling fee) are also available from Social (Humber Street), The Information Pod (Paragon Interchange), Chinese Laundry (Humber Street), Beasley’s (Hepworth Arcade), Queens Hotel (Queens Road), Art and Soul (Beverley) and Dias (Hessle).
On-the-day wristbands cost £35 from the festival entrances. For opening times and exchange details, visit the festival website.
Children aged 12 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult aged 18 or over.