Hull’s city centre streets will transform into a carnival of colour, music and spectacle on Saturday 14 March, as hundreds of local residents take part in ‘Our City’ – a major community-led celebration.
The free event, directed by Hull-based arts charity Back to Ours and supported and funded by Hull City Council, will feature two walking processions and an evening finale in Queen Victoria Square, with participation from local organisations, charities, sports teams, families and individuals across the city.
Two processions – one daytime and one illuminated night-time event – will wind through the city centre, each featuring four large-scale ‘Show Globes’, with themes including the sea and personal reflections. Participants will wear costumes and carry props linked to their chosen theme.
The evening will culminate in a finale event in Queen Victoria Square with music, dancing and performance.
Our City will be part of a jam-packed weekend in Hull, alongside the already successful event Colliderfest and established cultural conference Cultural Tides.
Back to Ours is encouraging Hull residents to sign up to participate in the processions – daytime, evening or both. Participants can join free workshops across the city – details to follow – to help create elements of the processions.
The four themed Show Globes are:
- Enchanted Flower Globe – butterflies, charm and wonder
- Living Snow Globe – a winter wonderland
- Mystic Mirror Globe – playful and reflective
- Sea Sphere – a mystical mermaid world
Local organisations including RSPCA Hull & East Yorkshire, The Deep and NAPA College have already signed up, alongside residents, sports teams and community groups.
Anyone wishing to join the processions can email ourcity@backtoours.co.uk.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, Hull City Council portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “Our City is exactly the kind of event that showcases what makes Hull special – our incredible community spirit and creativity.
“We’re proud to support Back to Ours in bringing people together for a fantastic celebration of Hull and its residents.”
Louise Yates, Back to Ours CEO and artistic director said: “Our City celebrates everything we love about living here – the people, places, parks, pubs, sports teams, the food, family and friends.
“Our evening event in Queen Victoria Square will be amazing. And there’ll be lots of exciting things popping up throughout the day too – music, dance, performance, stalls and more. But the two community-led processions are the heart of the event.
“We want people to sign up and get involved, even if it’s something they wouldn’t normally do. Whether you’re an organisation, signing up with friends or family, or joining solo – it’s going to be a fantastic day for Hull.”
For the latest information, visit Back to Ours on Facebook (BacktoOursHull) and Instagram (@btohull), or email ourcity@backtoours.co.uk.