Well, that’s almost it for 2022. Another year with plenty to look back on. We’ve picked out five Hull highlights from the past 12 months –
Humber Street Sesh returns to the Marina
It was great to see Humber Street Sesh back at its spiritual home on the Marina for the first time since 2019.
A huge amount of credit has to go to the organisers and the city’s music-lovers who have built the festival, which provides a unique platform for emerging talent, into the monster of the Hull institution that it is today.
The 20th anniversary of the MKM Stadium
Could you believe that it’s been 20 years since the stadium opened? We’ve witnessed some incredible moments during the past two decades with promotions, cup triumphs and the likes of Elton John and Bryan Adams performing to thousands of music fans.
2022 was another stand-out year for the stadium as it hosted games from the Rugby League World Cup, and Hull had an extra special reason to feel particularly proud thanks to Connor Lynes, who captained England’s PDRL World Cup team to glory.
As the MKM celebrated its 20th anniversary, we were delighted to see so many stories and memories shared, which really brought home how much the stadium means to the city.
The South Blockhouse captures city’s imagination
The summer saw an 11-week archaeological dig expose the astounding remains of Hull’s Tudor defences. Exciting plans for the future of the site were then released earlier this month.
The South Blockhouse, which sits on the east bank of the River Hull, was constructed by Henry VIII in 1541 to support military campaigns and to protect Hull as a vital port from internal and external threats.
Looking forward, the South Blockhouse, albeit in a different role, could well support the city once more.
Freedom Festival does it AGAIN
As always, Freedom Festival managed to cram scores of highlights into one magical week over the summer. Also, earlier in the year, Freedom Festival Arts Trust teamed-up with Hull City Council for The Awakening – a spell-binding event that brought mystery and magic to the Old Town.
It’s a tad unfair to single-out one event from the Freedom Festival line-up this year, but anyone who was lucky enough to see Australian circus company Gravity & Other Myths push the human body to the most insane and jaw-dropping extremes in Hull New Theatre, will probably still be thinking ”But…how?”.
New additions to the city centre
It’s always great see so many new and exciting businesses making Hull their home – especially the creative independents who, together, give the city its unique and authentic feel.
This year we welcomed (to name just a handful) Hearth to Trinity Square, Still to Posterngate, Kicks Bar & Grill to Paragon Street, Salt and Pepper Club to Paragon Arcade, Beast Burger to Trinity Market, Hull Minster opened its stunning new café and craft beer heavyweights BrewDog added Hull on its journey to world-wide domination.
