More than 1,500 local people involved in Hull’s first-ever ‘Our City’ celebration
Processions, open-air performance and low-noise fireworks finale to transform Queen Victoria Square on Saturday 14th March
More than 1,500 local people have helped shape and create Hull’s first-ever ‘Our City’ celebration on Saturday 14th March. The free event will transform the city centre with two large-scale community processions, followed by a spectacular open-air evening performance in Queen Victoria Square and ending with a short, low-noise fireworks finale – and a few additional surprises.
Over 1,000 local residents – representing charities, organisations, sports teams, families and community groups – will take part in the two walking processions across the day, each featuring four themed ‘Show Globes’, with hundreds more performers involved in the finale. Our City is led by Hull-based arts charity Back to Ours and supported and funded by Hull City Council.
Written by local writer Russ Litten, the event finale tells the story of an ordinary Hull family, weaving together humour and moving moments with references to the city’s maritime heritage and key sporting milestones – from England’s 1966 World Cup victory to the successes of Hull FC, Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull City AFC.
The production features a cast of local actors and musicians, backed by hundreds of singers from Hull choirs including Freedom Chorus and All For One Choir, with a soundtrack of songs from The Housemartins, Coldplay, Queen and many more. The evening will conclude with a three-minute, low-noise fireworks display suitable for all ages.
Louise Yates, Back to Ours CEO and artistic director, says: “We’re incredibly proud to have worked with so many people from across Hull to bring ‘Our City’ to life. Last year we spoke to more than a thousand residents about what Hull means to them – history, family and sport came up again and again, and we loved hearing people talk about Hull’s unique spirit. Russ’s script captures all of that so well – it reflects the city’s humour and resilience, and celebrates the moments that have brought communities together.
“After our processions have lit up the city centre streets, we’ll gather everyone together in Queen Victoria Square for something special – and a few surprises too.”
Councillor Rob Pritchard, Hull City Council portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “What makes Our City so exciting is that it’s been created by Hull people, for Hull people. From all the residents and local organisations marching in the processions, to the finale’s story inspired by the feedback of communities across the city, to all the local performers – this is a celebration for everyone here. We’re pleased to support Back to Ours in making it happen.”
The Processions
At midday on 14th March, the Our City celebrations will begin with the first of two walking processions, featuring four large-scale themed Show Globes, costumes, music and dance.
Hundreds of Hull residents – including organisations such as RSPCA Hull & East Yorkshire, NAPA College, Sirius West Academy and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, alongside families, community groups and individuals – will take part in the processions, each adopting a theme based on the four Show Globes:
· Enchanted Flower Globe – butterflies, charm and wonder
· Living Snow Globe – a winter wonderland
· Mystic Mirror Globe – playful and reflective
· Sea Sphere – a mystical mermaid world
The procession routes: Our Tides (daytime) Queen Victoria Square – Paragon Street – Chapel Street – Jameson Street – King Edward Street – Queen Victoria Square – Whitefriargate – Trinity House Lane – Trinity Square – return to Queen Victoria Square via Trinity House Lane & Whitefriargate.
Our Tides of Light (nighttime) Queen Victoria Square – Paragon Street – Jameson Street – King Edward Street – Queen Victoria Square.
A full day of celebration
There will also be performances throughout the afternoon in Queen Victoria Square, compered by Andy Train – including Chinese fan dancing from the Hon Lok Senior Association and music from All For One Choir and Jessika-Mae. At Hull Minster, audiences can visit two light-based art installations, The Relic of Mirchwood Forest by Laura Spark and Eternal Ensemble by Onyva, between 10am and 6pm. Both works were commissioned by Hull City Council in partnership with Light up The North, through the Shine programme. Hull’s Eclectic Orchestra, Ukrainian Choir and Hull Visual Choir will also perform at the Minster during the day.
A mini skateboarding park to learn and play will be set up in Trinity Square, in partnership with Hull Girls Skate and Active Sports from 2pm – 6pm.
Event details at-a-glance
What: Our City When: Saturday 14th March 2026 Where: Queen Victoria Square & surrounding areas, Hull city centre Times:
Our Tides daytime procession: 12-1pm
Our Tides of Light night-time illuminated procession: 6:30-7pm
Queen Victoria Square programme: 1:30pm – 4:50pm
Hull Minster programme: 10am – 6pm
Finale: approx. 7-8pm (Please note timings are approximate and may change – check website and social media for latest updates)
Cost: Free to attend