What does Hull's UNESCO Music City bid mean for its future?

Hull’s buzzing music scene is reaching for the stars—quite literally. On Friday, 31 January, the city officially submitted its bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Music. This isn’t just about putting Hull on a map; it’s about shaping its future through music, culture, and opportunity.

At the heart of this exciting campaign is Hull’s commitment to its people, its history, and the incredible talent that has poured out of the city for generations. But what does this mean for Hull, and why should you care? Let’s break it down.

What is Hull aiming for?

Hull’s bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Music is about more than just a fancy title. It’s about creating a five-year plan to boost music education, inspire local talent, and connect the city to a global network of music and culture. Think of it as Hull saying, “Hey world, we’ve got something special here—come and see.”

This isn’t something they’ve cobbled together overnight either. Hull City Council has spent over a year working with more than 100 local organisations and individuals to pull this off. Big names like the University of Hull, Hull Music Service, Hull College, and even the iconic New Adelphi Club have all had a say in shaping this vision.

If Hull’s bid succeeds, the city will join global music hubs like Liverpool and Belfast, who are already part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network. It’s a chance to share ideas with nearly 300 other creative cities worldwide and show off Hull’s talent on a global stage.

Why the new Adelphi Club is the perfect host

To celebrate the bid’s submission, Hull’s music community gathered at the legendary New Adelphi Club—a venue that’s become a cultural gem in its own right. Winning Grassroots Venue of the Year 2022, it’s the perfect example of Hull’s DIY music spirit. It’s where local talent finds its feet, where memories are made, and where Hull’s music heartbeat is strongest.

From live gigs to supporting up-and-coming artists, the Adelphi has seen it all. General Manager Paul John Sarel summed it up perfectly:

“Hull is steeped in top-class music history. At the New Adelphi Club, we champion music creators and performers from all sides of the spectrum and know the city’s talent is good enough to be showcased at an international level.”

This isn’t just big talk either—Hull’s music roots run deep. Whether it’s punk bands that tore up the scene in the ’80s or modern-day poets like Jodie Langford making waves, there’s a rich history and exciting future here.

How does Hull’s music plan make a difference?

The bid is underpinned by a brand-new five-year Music Plan, which aims to:

• Strengthen music education and provide opportunities from the earliest stages of life.
• Support local talent and help musicians and creatives break into the industry.
• Empower communities by putting music at the centre of local culture and heritage.
• Expand Hull’s global connections, opening doors for investment and collaborations with other Creative Cities worldwide.

It’s all about making music something that everyone in Hull can experience and benefit from—not just the performers, but the audiences, schools, and community groups too.

As Kath Wynne-Hague, head of culture and place at Hull City Council, put it:

“Our bid centres around empowering communities, strengthening music education and community-driven activity, delivering pathways into creative jobs and supporting quality education from the earliest stage.”

What happens next?

The first stage of Hull’s bid will be reviewed in late February 2025. If it gets through this round, it’ll go to the international board in March.

Hull has already planned a big launch for its Music Plan and Cultural & Heritage Strategy at the Cultural Tides conference in March. So even if you’re not a musician or music lover, the buzz around this bid is going to have a ripple effect across the city.

Why this matters to Hull

Hull’s music scene has always been a little rebellious and proudly independent. This bid isn’t about changing that. It’s about giving the city the recognition it deserves while creating real opportunities for its people.

With UNESCO Creative City of Music status, Hull could attract more funding, bigger audiences, and global collaborations. It’s not just about concerts or events—it’s about creating a city where culture is alive and thriving, where kids can dream of being the next big thing, and where people of all backgrounds feel connected through music.

And honestly, wouldn’t it be great to see Hull sitting alongside the likes of Liverpool or Nashville as a place the world recognises for its music?

How can you support Hull’s bid?

Want to be part of this exciting journey? Keep an eye out for updates and events around Hull’s Music Plan and Cultural Tides conference. Even just spreading the word about Hull’s rich music history and vibrant community helps keep the momentum going.

Let’s make some noise for Hull—this could be the start of something big.