Maritime themes brought to life in The Awakening
‘THE DOCKER’: Artist Andy Train will be bringing Hull’s maritime heritage to life
By Simon Bristow
Maritime themes will play a key role in The Awakening when Hull’s newest arts festival returns this week.
The two-night festival, which starts at 6pm on Friday, will feature an array of stunning installations and performances across the city centre.
The Awakening, which is building a new annual tradition for Hull, celebrates the passage from winter to spring and draws on the city’s maritime heritage and its relationship with nature.
Hull artist Andy Train will be taking to the streets as The Docker, which featured as part of the World Champion Living Statue trio Three in a Boat as part of the inaugural Awakening in 2022. The characters represented some of the seafaring industries that shaped the city over the centuries and were a favourite with audiences.
Newly restored Spurn Lightship will also get in on the action after its return to Hull Marina. The historic ship and its new lighting “will shine light on Hull’s current connection to our rivers and sea during The Awakening”.
The festival will also feature:
Intrude which will see “a family of giant bunnies” take over the Rose Bowl near Queens Gardens. This is being delivered by Parer Studios and artist Amanda Parer from Australia
Nature Nocturnal in Queens Gardens by Liverpool’s Lantern Company, billed as “a kaleidoscope of colour as we see the natural world at night through beautiful glowing and twinkling lanterns”
Unfurl - “the world’s largest and softest robots” - in Zebedees Yard
Light, sound and interactive games in Trinity Square by French company Groupe LAPS
Nightports at Hull Minster - immersive, ambient electronic music celebrating the Minster
Whitefriargate Walkabouts, featuring Worldbeaters Spark! Drummers, An Act Above’s Lightwalkers, and Sound Intervention Projector Bikes
Re:Score by Hull musicians Broken Orchestra at Ferens Art Gallery
Live music in Trinity Market delivered by Trinity Live and Sesh Events.
‘A GARDEN LIKE NO OTHER’: Unfurl, coming to Zebedees Yard. Picture credit: Unfurl, Air Giants Timber 2022 © Andrew Allcock
A digital guide containing the full programme is available now on the festival website.
The festival concludes with a one-off folk gig by Hack-Poets Guild at Social in Humber Street on Sunday, which is a ticketed event.
The Awakening is delivered by Freedom Festival Arts Trust in partnership with Hull City Council, with Hull Maritime helping to shape how the producers spotlight Hull’s maritime connections.
Local businesses will be opening their doors later than usual to celebrate the event and accommodate visitors. Some venues will be offering refreshments and their own entertainment, with others hosting special events as part of programme.
More than 100,000 people attended The Awakening last year.
Writing in the festival programme, Mikey Martins, artistic director and CEO of Freedom Festival Arts Trust, said: “We are incredibly excited to have you back in the streets of Hull city centre to experience the city come alive again as we transition from winter into spring and reflect on our city’s heritage and maritime ties.
“Get your coat on and explore all there is to offer from Queens Gardens to Trinity Square with special moments around every corner.
“…The Awakening aims to bring new perspectives to our wonderful maritime identity by uncovering themes through the creative programme. The installations and performances will focus on the city’s relationship with nature, the changing of the seasons and folkloric traditions.
“So, make your Fox Masks, pop them on, let’s celebrate the end of winter together and create a new annual tradition for Hull.”