Boost for drive to find 4,000 culture ambassadors

The aim is for as many as people as possible to be involved in the city’s big moment - acting as ambassadors for an expected influx of up to 1m visitors next year.

The Big Lottery Fund has put up the money as part of efforts to get more people from across the city and beyond and of all ages and backgrounds involved.

The aim is to recruit up to 4,000 people, who will be involved in as many as 40,000 volunteering opportunities over 600 days. So far they are heading towards the 2,000 mark.

As well as providing a warm welcome, volunteers will also work on major events, including the recent Place des Anges event and the upcoming Pride in Hull celebrations and Freedom Festival.

Martin Green, who heads the Hull 2017 team, said: “A massive thank you to the Big Lottery Fund for this funding, which will help us remove the barriers to volunteering as part of UK City of Culture.

“Hull 2017 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the personal and professional skills that our volunteers are developing will also add to the legacy in the longer term.”

Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund England grant-making director said: “So many community organisations such as the Hull volunteer programme are enabling people and communities to grow together bringing positive changes to their lives and futures.

“It’s wonderful to hear the stories of how through these great projects people have overcome barriers, learned new skills and improved their lives.”

The volunteer programme targets every corner of the city and beyond, including groups that historically have been most isolated.

The Hull 2017 volunteer programme launched in March and will run until January 2018.