Hull UK City of Culture 2017

Hull’s tangible and intangible heritage inspired a wide range of artworks, performances, events, installations, festivals and community activity. From the mysterious Land of Green Ginger and the Humber Estuary, interpreted through a sound installation, to the fishing industry, the legacy of William Wilberforce, and the musical heritage of The Spiders from Mars.

The opening week alone brought more than 342,000 local people into the city centre to see stunning sound and light projections on historic buildings, including the Town Hall and the Maritime Museum. 80% of audiences said it inspired them to talk to people from other generations about the history of the city.

Heritage contributed significantly to the impressive impacts of the year:

• a total audience of 5.3million people
• an estimated tourism value of at least £300m
• £11-17m gross value added for the local economy

The majority of the city’s residents attended at least one cultural event, and two in three increased their knowledge of Hull’s history and heritage. The percentage of local people who were proud to live in Hull rose to an all-time high of 75%.

Hull UK City of Culture 2017 has demonstrated that heritage plays a vital role in creating thriving and successful places and communities.