What Is The UK Music Charter And Why Has Hull Signed It?

Something pretty cool happened in Hull on 26 November 2025. The Hull City Council officially signed up to something called the UK Music, Local Music Action Charter. Now, that might sound a bit official and maybe a little dry, but it's actually a massive deal for anyone in the city who loves music. Think of it as a playbook designed to make Hull’s music scene even more brilliant. This isn't just about having a few more gigs; it's a proper, thought-out plan to boost everything from local bands and venues to the city's overall vibe, making music a huge part of what Hull is all about. It’s a move that connects directly with some big ambitions the city already has for its future.

So what is this local music action charter anyway?

Right, let's break it down. Imagine you've got a fantastic idea, but you need a bit of a guide to make it happen. That's basically what the Local Music Action Charter is. It was created by a national organisation called UK Music, which champions the country's music scene. The charter is essentially a helpful toolkit for local councils and other regional powers, known as combined authorities. It gives them a framework of practical, low-cost steps to help them harness the power of music.

But why would they want to do that? Well, music does more than just give you a good tune to listen to. A buzzing music scene can seriously boost economic growth. When people go to gigs, they spend money in pubs, restaurants, and taxis. It also creates employment, not just for musicians but for sound engineers, lighting technicians, and promoters. Plus, it’s brilliant for community wellbeing. Having great cultural events and a strong local identity just makes a place feel better to live in. The charter helps councils embed music into their local planning and policy, supporting the entire music ecosystem. And what’s a music ecosystem? It’s every part of the scene: the artists, the venues, the recording studios, the fans, and the businesses that support them all. A strong ecosystem means a stronger city. This UK Music Charter is the blueprint for building that, helping to grow local music industries across the country.

Hull’s big music plans get a turbo-boost

The thing is, Hull City Council isn't just jumping on a bandwagon here. This decision to sign the UK Music Charter fits perfectly with plans that have been in the works for a while. It’s like adding a supercharger to an engine that was already running nicely. This move directly helps the city achieve goals laid out in several key documents:

• The Hull Music Plan 2025–2030
• The Hull Culture & Heritage Strategy 2025–2030
• The Community Plan 2024–2034

These plans are overseen by the Hull Music Board, a group dedicated to strengthening the city’s music scene. By signing the charter, the council can unlock more investment and make sure the city’s cultural impact is bigger than ever. It's a clear step towards what’s known as cultural regeneration—using arts and music to bring new life and energy to communities. The ultimate goal is creative sustainability. That’s a fancy term for making sure that artists, venues, and music businesses in Hull can not only survive but actually have long, successful futures. This isn't just a short-term project; it’s about building something that lasts.

What the people in charge are saying

Of course, when a big decision like this is made, it’s good to hear from the people behind it. Councillor Rob Pritchard, who is the portfolio holder for culture and leisure, is clearly buzzing about it. He points out that Hull is now in the same club as other major cities like Manchester, which is a big step towards a massive goal: becoming a UNESCO City of Music.

He said:

“Hull joins cities including Manchester in signing this ground-breaking charter, helping us to support our goal of becoming a UNESCO City of Music. Music is as integral to the city’s identity as our maritime history and the charter’s emphasis on inclusive community access aligns with Hull’s commitment to harnessing music for fair and equal representation, as outlined in its music plan. The charter’s support for music infrastructure and talent pipelines complements Hull’s strategy to upskill talent, empower venues, and promote creative sustainability. By embedding music into planning and policy, Hull can activate its communities, foster collaboration, and deliver a whole-system approach to cultural regeneration and community wellbeing.”

And he's not the only one who's pleased. Tom Kiehl, the Chief Executive of UK Music, the organisation behind the charter, is also thrilled to have Hull on board. He highlights how important music is for the whole country.

He commented:

“We are absolutely delighted to see Hull City Council sign up to our Local Music Action Charter. Music plays a vital role in turbocharging economies, increasing employment and enriching culture all over the country. We are very much looking forward to working with more and more authorities to help them boost their local music industries.”

What this actually means for people in Hull

Okay, so we've heard the official lines, but what does this all mean for someone living in Hull? How will the Local Music Action Charter actually change things on the ground? Well, by weaving music into city policy, the impact could be felt in loads of different ways.

Here's what it could look like:

• For aspiring musicians: It could mean more support for new talent. Imagine more workshops, better access to affordable rehearsal spaces, or even schemes that connect young artists with experienced pros. This is what "inclusive community access" and building "talent pipelines" are all about—giving everyone a fair shot.
• For music fans: The charter’s focus on empowering venues could lead to a more stable and exciting live music scene. This might mean more gigs to go to, more variety in the acts that come to town, and more support for the grassroots venues that are the lifeblood of any music ecosystem.
• For local businesses: A thriving music scene is a magnet for people. This drives economic growth by bringing more visitors to the city, who then spend money in local shops, hotels, and cafes. It’s a win-win.
• For the whole community: Ultimately, this is about boosting community wellbeing. A city with a strong cultural identity is a more vibrant and enjoyable place to live. It's part of a bigger picture of cultural regeneration, making Hull an even better place to call home.

By signing the UK Music Charter, Hull City Council is making a clear statement. It’s saying that music isn't just entertainment; it’s a vital part of the city’s heart, its economy, and its future.