Hull Competing for UNESCO Creative City of Music Designation

Hull aims for UNESCO title

Hull is preparing to bid for recognition as the latest UK city awarded the UNESCO Creative City of Music title.

This designation is granted by the United Nations agency to various cities worldwide that have “identified creativity as a strategic driver of sustainable urban development” and are dedicated to enhancing music activities within their locales.

Previous award winners

Glasgow in 2008, Liverpool in 2015, and Belfast in 2021 are the prior British cities to achieve this honor, with Belfast naming local talents Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol and composer Hannah Peel as its official patrons.

Hull now seeks to become the fourth city to earn this title following its council cabinet’s approval of a five-year strategy designed to enhance the city’s music scene. As part of a comprehensive planning initiative, they consulted with 1,200 residents, with councilor Rob Pritchard noting that it would provide a “real direction for moving our cultural life forward” (via BBC).

The council plans to submit its application following the launch of the city’s inaugural music plan, set to be released in early 2025. The vision aims to “enable all residents to participate in and enjoy cultural activities” while also leveraging its culture and heritage to make the city “more competitive” for driving economic growth.

An official app will debut on March 14 during the Cultural Tides conference at the city’s Truck Theater.

Hull’s musical legacy includes iconic 80s bands like The Housemartins and Everything But The Girl, alongside contemporary acts such as shoegazers Bdrmm, who released their second album I Don’t Know in 2023. In a four-star review, NME noted: “Frontman Ryan Smith has bristled when his vocals have been described as ‘easy’ in the past, but his precision only makes his words more compelling. This is a remarkable album from a band quietly elevating the entire UK scene.”

Another notable music figure from Hull is Mick Ronson, David Bowie’s longtime guitarist. Earlier this year, the city installed 50 six-foot-tall rat sculptures in his honor.