60 Years of Hull’s Vibrant Music Scene Through a New Immersive Audio Walk

Hull’s rich and eclectic musical history is now just a pair of headphones away, thanks to a new immersive audio walk titled 'Diamond Life.' This free guided tour, featuring the beloved Hull comedian Lucy Beaumont as your narrator, offers a deep dive into the city’s musical past, connecting you with iconic locations and voices that have shaped Hull's cultural landscape over the last six decades.

Explore Hull’s musical heritage

The 'Diamond Life' audio walk is a collaborative effort brought to life by Hull City Council, Visit Hull & East Yorkshire (VHEY), and the artist collective Mutiny. This unique project weaves a narrative through Hull's Old Town, allowing participants to explore the city's legacy in music. The tour, lasting over 60 minutes, takes you through significant sites such as Humber Street and Queen Victoria Square while highlighting Hull’s contributions to the world of music.

Lucy Beaumont’s narration is complemented by the voices of some of Hull’s most celebrated musicians. Roland Gift from the Fine Young Cannibals, folk legends Eliza and Martin Carthy, and industrial music pioneer Cosey Fanni Tutti share their experiences, memories, and insights, offering a personal connection to the city’s vibrant musical scene.

With a strong emphasis on the role of women in music, this audio walk not only celebrates Hull’s history but also its ongoing influence in the music industry.

Dive into exclusive content and hidden gems

As you follow the trail, keep an eye out for the 10 orange ‘Reveal Hull Way Points,’ each offering bonus content. These waypoints, easily accessible through a simple QR code scan, reveal original artwork and additional historical details that enrich the narrative. The trail is more than just a walk; it’s an interactive experience that invites you to uncover the hidden layers of Hull’s musical journey.

The audio walk is part of the broader Reveal Hull platform, which transforms your smartphone into a virtual cassette player. The platform offers full interviews and biographies of the artists featured on 'Diamond Life,' allowing you to explore their stories further from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re wandering through Hull’s historic streets or relaxing with a coffee on Humber Street, the cassette box on the Reveal Hull website offers a rich repository of Hull’s musical treasures.

Hull’s bid for UNESCO City of Music

'Diamond Life' is more than just a celebration of the past; it’s a testament to Hull’s vibrant cultural scene today and its aspirations for the future. Kath Wynne Hague, Head of Culture, Place and City Centre, expressed the city’s excitement about the project, noting how it showcases Hull’s exceptional architecture and thriving music scene. This project is also a key part of Hull’s bid to become a UNESCO City of Music, highlighting the city's ongoing contributions to the global music landscape.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Hull’s musical history in such an innovative way. He looks forward to seeing the way-point signs across the city and enjoying the rich stories they reveal.

Celebrating Hull’s musical legacy

Playwright Dave Windass emphasized the significance of 'Diamond Life' as a celebration of Hull’s cultural identity. The audio walk not only highlights the city’s historical ties to legendary groups like Fine Young Cannibals and The Housemartins, but also shines a spotlight on emerging talents like the group Wench. It’s a powerful reminder that Hull has always been, and continues to be, a hub for musical innovation and creativity.

Marcus Romer, an artist with Mutiny, expressed his delight in collaborating with Lucy Beaumont on this project. He praised Beaumont’s warmth and approachability, qualities that make her the perfect guide through Hull’s musical landscape. Artists Simon Poulter and Sophie Mellor from Mutiny also highlighted the broader scope of the Reveal Hull platform, encouraging people to explore the full range of content available, from cassette tapes to bonus interviews.

Experience Hull’s Musical Evolution

The 'Diamond Life' audio walk offers more than just a tour; it’s an invitation to experience Hull’s musical evolution firsthand. From Mick Ronson’s early days collaborating with David Bowie to Cosey Fanni Tutti’s avant-garde experiments with Throbbing Gristle, the walk encapsulates the spirit of creativity that has long defined Hull. Whether it’s the electronica of Fila Brazillia or the spoken word artistry of Jodie Langford, 'Diamond Life' showcases the diversity and richness of Hull’s music scene.

This immersive experience is not to be missed. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor eager to learn more about Hull’s cultural heritage, 'Diamond Life' offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s past, present, and future through the universal language of music.

To start your journey through Hull’s musical history, visit revealhull.co.uk and download the 'Diamond Life' audio walk today.