Karaoke lovers will reconvene for an evening of free singing as Hull’s former home of brave ballads and questionable high notes returns for one night only
Singers take to the microphones during at the former Vox Box karaoke night(Image: Submitted)
A favourite with singers across the city, immersive karaoke night Vox Box will bring its sought-after microphones back to Hull on September 5. The upstairs events space at Molly Mangan’s – Newland Social HU5 – will revive the late-night singalong session, which is back by popular demand with its supportive, big-screen singing experience – for one night only.
Doors open at 8pm, with the mics expected to stay on into the small hours. Entry is first-come, first-served, and organisers are expecting a full house, so anyone hoping to take centre stage is being encouraged to arrive at Molly’s early. Opened in 2022 inside the former Tofts nightclub, Vox Box was billed as Hull’s first premium private karaoke venue. Its six bookable booths gave groups access to around 80,000 songs and the chance to perform in front of their friends.
But while the private rooms were the original selling point, it was the big-screen sessions in the main bar that really pulled in the crowds. Molly Mangan’s and Newland Social co-owner Jack Mangan, who was also part of the team behind Vox Box, said: “It was always a real mix. Some people would be a few drinks in and giving it absolutely everything, whether they were in tune or not.
“Then someone else would get up who could genuinely sing and stop the whole room. We had regulars who came back week after week because they loved performing, and some of them were actually good. You could have a really talented singer followed by somebody murdering a power ballad, and everyone would get behind them either way.”
The building has changed since the Vox Box era, with Molly Mangan’s now operating downstairs and the former private-room area upstairs transformed into Newland Social, an open-plan fan zone and events space. Its large screens and sound system will be used to recreate the atmosphere of the old big-screen sessions.
General manager Lauren Hull said: “There’s still a lot of affection for Vox Box, and we’ve had plenty of people asking when the karaoke is coming back. Some of them have been nagging us about it for months. Newland Social gives us the perfect space to bring back that atmosphere.”
With entry free and no advance tickets, Lauren advised anyone hoping to attend to arrive at Molly Mangan’s before the upstairs venue opens. She said: “We’re expecting it to be busy, so the best thing to do is get down to Molly’s before 8pm, grab a drink and be ready when we open the doors upstairs. For now, it really is one night only. But if people enjoy it and want us to do it again, we’ll certainly have that conversation.”
Vox Box Big Screen Karaoke takes place at Newland Social HU5, above Molly Mangan’s at 64-70 Newland Avenue, on Saturday 5 September. Doors open at 8pm and entry is free. For more information, visit mollymangans.com, call 01482 445582 or email hello@mollymangans.com.
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