Hull sets out ambitious 5-year music plan to build, support and promote a successful, sustainable music industry

15 July 2025 - Press release

Bid for UNESCO City of Music status for 2027

Newly appointed Hull Music Board 

  

Hull sets its sights on the coveted, globally renowned UNESCO City of Music status, to join UK cities Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast and London, as it sets out an ambitious 5 year-music plan to put the city and its creative endeavours firmly on the music map. Today see’s the launch of a newly created Hull Music Board specifically to oversee this 5-year music plan and ensure it’s delivered. 

An UNESCO City of Music is a city recognised by UNESCO for its rich musical heritage, vibrant music scene, and commitment to integrating music into urban development. This designation is part of the broader UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which promotes cooperation among cities that prioritize creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable development. Should Hull be successful in 2027, it will not only join the UK Cities of Music, but will also join Kingston, Jamaica; Seville, Spain; Bogotá, Colombia to name a few of the 75 cities across all continents.

Hull is a city where music takes shape, a strategic northern port welcoming communities and trade from across the globe, its rich musical heritage includes household names The Beautiful South and Everything But The Girl, indie darlings The Paddingtons, pop star Calum Scott, current 6Music favourites LIFE and shoe-gaze trailblazers Bdrmm, rising stars Fiona Lee, and Jodie Langford to the award-winning grime artist Chiedu Oraka, who will support Coldplay at Craven Park for two sold-out shows in August.

“Hull’s music scene is packed full of exciting talent, but it needs a support network and investment to back artists and help them break through. It’s great to the hear the city has ambition for its creative sectors and we look forward to seeing what the new music board delivers.” Stewart Baxter – LIFE

“This city owes it to itself to highlight and support all the talented individuals that are coming through. I’ve an exciting 6 months coming up, kicking off with supporting Coldplay at Craven Park, which will be a huge moment for both me and the city itself, I hope this is the start of something proper special for everyone.” Chiedu Oraka

These artists journeys and development are all under-pinned and supported by a thriving live scene and network of local venues, from the award winning grassroot venue of the year 2022 - The Adelphi Club, to the 4000 capacity, 2017 City of Culture legacy - Connexins Live Arena, to the region’s biggest festival for independent music the Humber Street Sesh. 

Taking the lead for the music ambition of the city, Hull announces a new music board who will oversee a five-year music plan that was co-developed will over 100 people from the music sector. The Hull Music Board brings together a dynamic group of professionals from across the music, cultural, and creative sectors. The board will focus on four themes of inclusion, infrastructure, profile and collaboration, acting as a strategic driver, advocate, and connector—championing Hull’s music culture and ensuring music remains at the heart of the city’s future.

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture said: “Hull already has the creativity, grit, and raw talent.

“What we need now is the infrastructure and backing to match it. This board is one of the first steps to show the world we’re serious about building a real music industry - one that creates lasting opportunities, raises the bar, and proves we are well worth paying attention to.”

 

UNESCO Cities of Music are expected to:

• Foster the music industry and music education.
• Promote musical heritage and diversity.
• Support local artists and cultural events.
• Encourage international collaboration in music.

 

The Hull Music Plan is built around four key themes:

1. A Focus on Inclusion – Ensuring fair and equal access to music opportunities, representation, and decision-making for individuals, talent, and communities.

2. The Strength of Our Stories – Raising Hull’s music profile nationally and internationally, including through the city’s UNESCO ambitions.

3. Championing Our Music Infrastructure – Supporting talent development, music education, creative sustainability, live music venues, and audience growth.

4. The Power of Relationships – Strengthening collaborations and networks locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.

 

Hull Music Board members include:

• James Dickinson, Head of Hull Music Service and Lead Partner for the Humber Music Hub
• Jenni Harrison, Creative Director and co-lead of Hull Music Net
• Sam Ryder, General Manager of Connexin Live
• Cllr Rob Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure
• James Meadows, Snr Vice President Marketing at Chrysalis Records / Blue Raincoat Music
• Gerard Gibbons, grassroots music advocate and business leader
• Damien Greco, cultural marketing professional and promoter
• Elle Douglas, Creative Manager at The Warren Youth Project
• Sarah Shiels, Director at The New Adelphi Club CIC and youth music champion

 

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