Opening event in Hull City of Culture attracts 340,000 people

The success of opening event for Hull City of Culture 'should make locals incredibly proud', organisers said today, as they revealed it attracted more than 340,000 people.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jan 2017, 13:21 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2017, 13:13 BST
An art installation titled Arrivals and Departures by arts collective 'imitating the dog' is projected onto The Deep, in Hull, forming part of the Made in Hull series marking the official opening of its tenure as UK City of Culture.An art installation titled Arrivals and Departures by arts collective 'imitating the dog' is projected onto The Deep, in Hull, forming part of the Made in Hull series marking the official opening of its tenure as UK City of Culture.
An art installation titled Arrivals and Departures by arts collective 'imitating the dog' is projected onto The Deep, in Hull, forming part of the Made in Hull series marking the official opening of its tenure as UK City of Culture.

Made in Hull, whose centrepiece was a spectacular 15-minute film sequence, projected onto three landmark buildings in Queen Victoria Square, drew in 342,000 people over seven evenings, from January 1 to January 7.

The news came as the latest art installation - a 75-m turbine blade made in the local Siemens factory - was lifted into position in Queen Victoria Square this morning in front of curious crowds.

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Once installed double deckers will be able to pass underneath as they travel down Carr Lane.

The scene in Queen Victoria Square this morning as a 75m Siemens blade is installed. Picture James Hardisty.The scene in Queen Victoria Square this morning as a 75m Siemens blade is installed. Picture James Hardisty.
The scene in Queen Victoria Square this morning as a 75m Siemens blade is installed. Picture James Hardisty.

City of Culture was expected to draw in 1m visitors over the year - so it appears they are a third of their way to their target already.

Creative director Sean McAllister said: “We never expected the response that there has been to Made in Hull. As someone from the city I wanted to bring to life some of the stories that make Hull such an interesting and extraordinary place.

“The reaction has been incredible. We should be incredibly proud of our city and should seize the opportunities as it takes its place on the national stage.”

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Martin Green, CEO and Director Hull 2017 said: “It’s been a phenomenal first week for Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and we’ve been blown away by the reaction. I would particularly like to thank the team, Hull City Council, the blue light services and of

The scene in Queen Victoria Square this morning as a 75m Siemens blade is installed. Picture James Hardisty.The scene in Queen Victoria Square this morning as a 75m Siemens blade is installed. Picture James Hardisty.
The scene in Queen Victoria Square this morning as a 75m Siemens blade is installed. Picture James Hardisty.

course our volunteers for making it run smoothly.

“The creative team have been amazing and the support from our partners, a host of other organisations and the hundreds of Hull residents who contributed in many different ways has been critical to its success.

“With so many wildly differing events taking place throughout the rest of the year, I hope people will continue to be excited and urge everyone to be adventurous and try things out they might not have considered before.”

Blade will remain in Queen Victoria Square until March 18.

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