The 10 shows you must not miss in Hull City of Culture 2017

The scale and ambition of the next two seasons of Hull City of Culture is revealed today.
The Height of the Reeds - a sound journey for the Humber BridgeThe Height of the Reeds - a sound journey for the Humber Bridge
The Height of the Reeds - a sound journey for the Humber Bridge

There will be a "summer of festivals" - 22 all told - a dozen new exhibitions and 42 new commissions.Hull 2017's chief executive Martin Green said after a "cracking start" to the year which had "defied expectations" "the message is now it's time to visit Hull."So what are our top ten tips for season two Roots and Routes and season three Freedom?

1. Flood by James Phillips - an epic tale about the end of the world told online, on TV and live, by Leeds theatre company Slung Low. Described as its most ambitious project to date, the live theatre part "which uses the language of the movies" "and involves explosions and flames" will be staged in Victoria Dock (April 11-15) Tickets go on sale today.

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2. A first for local landmark, the Humber Bridge. The Height of the Reeds is a mix of original sounds "threaded through with the deep music of the bridge itself." Don a pair of headphones and "disappear" into the music as you walk across. 1-2 April: £7.50; 3-30 April: Free, ticketed

John Grant's North Atlantic Flux - celebrates Hull ties with the Nordic statesJohn Grant's North Atlantic Flux - celebrates Hull ties with the Nordic states
John Grant's North Atlantic Flux - celebrates Hull ties with the Nordic states

3. Singer-songwriter John Grant's North Atlantic Flux (April 28 to May 1) celebrates Hull's Nordic links by way of an experimental music festival. "Geographically we are very close. If we embrace our northern influence it makes our voice stronger - John Grant is bringing a host of fantastic bands," says Hull CEO Martin Green. 28 April - May 1 Visit hull2017.co.uk/johngrant

4. An anarchic theatrical epic by Middle Child All We Ever Wanted Was Everything, featuring local bands and performed at one of the city's best-loved nightclubs, the Welly (June 6-17) A three act anthem about a generation promised everything: but what happens when dreams don't match reality? Ticketed; hull2017.co.uk/everything

5. Mention the name of Hull paper company GF Smith to a graphic designer and they will go weak at the knees. "They are beloved across the world," says Martin Green. Over ten days 10 different artists will celebrate colour and the freedom to play in works of art around Humber Street. (June 30- July 9) Free; installation

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6. Hull will host the first ever UK Pride (July 22-29) celebrating 50 years since homosexuality was decriminalised - 80s pop star, Soft Cell singer Marc Almond will headline. It will include a tea party curated by Duckie "purveyors of queer entertainment." Humber Street Gallery will be focussing on life in a sanctuary for the LGBT community in Freetown, Hull's sister city in Sierra Leone in Lee Price's photographic study House of King and Queens. Free

Lee Price's House of King and Queens captures life in a sanctuary for the LGBT community in Freetown, Sierra LeoneLee Price's House of King and Queens captures life in a sanctuary for the LGBT community in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Lee Price's House of King and Queens captures life in a sanctuary for the LGBT community in Freetown, Sierra Leone

7. Sept 1 sees the start of Dreamthinkspeak's One Day Maybe, where artists take over an office complex to become a "mysterious new Korean technology company" to create " a dystopian vison of a world spinning thrillingly out of control." "They do just beautifully immersive site-specific work," said Mr Green. "They create worlds you disappear into."

Location: to be revealed: Ticketed, visit hull2017.co.uk/onedaymaybe

8. Hull New Theatre reopens (Sept 16) after a £16m upgrade with an evening of classic and modern dance by the Royal Ballet - curated by Hull-born director Kevin O'Hare. Opening The New "will celebrate Hull's extraordinary contribution to dance and ballet." Ticketed; hull2017.co.uk/royalballet

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9. A new poetry festival Contains Strong Language will be "packed with world premieres, special gala readings, events and concerts, featuring the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. A group of 17 artists have been commissioned to create new work, which will be broadcast across BBC Radio. (September 28 - October 1) Ticketed; hull2017.co.uk/humbermouth

10. And finally...another sure-fire hit will be Northern Ballet's new ballet and the first story-telling through dance of The Boy In Striped Pyjamas at the New Theatre (October 18 to October 21)

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