A new music, arts and entertainment venue on Hull’s Marina will open its doors this weekend following a £1.2m revamp.
Social, formerly known as Fruit, will open on Friday 14 August.
Operators of Social, Sesh Events UK, aim to gradually introduce a programme of entertainment and events to include live music, visual performance, comedy, theatre and film presented by Cult Cinema Sunday, when restrictions surrounding live performance are eased.
Initially the venue will open as an arts café bar, premiering an exclusive art exhibition by Hull artist, Darren Rogers.
Councillor Daren Hale, deputy leader of Hull City Council and chair of the Fruit Market LLP, said: “The success and development of the Fruit Market continues to grow. The incredible £1.2m revamp of this building, which has resulted in a first-class venue whilst also respecting the heritage and feel of Humber Street, was made possible through Hull City Council’s continued involvement and investment through the Fruit Market LLP.
“This is yet another example of the council supporting economic development and the arts in our city, as well as our commitment in turning Hull into a world-class visitor destination.”
The new venue is on Humber Street on Hull’s Marina.
The opening of the venue marks a return for Sesh Events UK director, Dave Mays, who founded Fruit nine years ago and operated it until the venue closed to allow the revamp to take place.
Dave Mays said: “We worked closely with Wykeland on the revamp which includes a purpose-built performance space with green room, box office, spacious bar area and new toilet block.
“In the final fit we’ve retained the industrial feel which is part of the DNA of the building. We think the public will love it and can’t wait to welcome them through the doors”
🎉 OPENING WEEKEND 🎉
Hey #Hull, it took us a bit longer, but we’re thrilled to announce we open our doors to the public for the first time at 5pm on Friday 14th August, and we’d love for you to pop in, hang out, and see what we’ve done with the place. pic.twitter.com/SOiBmooNeF
— Social (@socialhumberst) August 10, 2020
The new venue is operated by Sesh Events UK, which runs the hugely popular annual Humber Street Sesh grassroots festival, as well as The Sesh Weekly music nights, Made in Hull and Trinity Live.
Mark Page of Sesh Events UK, and founder of the weekly Sesh and Humber Street Sesh Festival, said: “The venue opens around the time that Humber Street Sesh Festival should have been taking place.
“Sadly, we can’t deliver a festival this year, but we have put our creative energy and love into Social, which we believe, will be the beating heart of Humber Street.”
Social will open its doors at 5pm on Friday 14 August.
For more information you can follow Social on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
