Local businesses unite to deliver the Hull Vigil
UNIQUE: The Hull Vigil structure being installed. Picture by R&R Studio
City business have united to make the unique Hull Vigil project in this year’s Freedom Festival a reality.
The Hull Vigil, a first for the UK, is a 365-day performance that will see a bespoke glass, steel framed, wood clad structure built and installed on top of Hull College by local businesses.
Overlooking Queen’s Gardens and the William Wilberforce statue on one side and the River Humber, docks and east Hull on the other, 730 people will become the collective ‘vigil’ at sunset and sunrise every day for a year from May 3.
Hull Esteem and its partners have now joined forces to bring the ambitious project to life.
Partners include Hobson & Porter, which led on roof enabling works, concrete plinths, construction of the timber ramp and landings, and the installation of feature lighting by GW Power.
Geo Houlton & Sons has been responsible for the off-site fabrication of the shelter and exo-skeletal framework, supported by local contractors Vic Coupland, Vulcan Aluminium and Dappat Engineering, among others.
Sewell Construction organised transportation and contract crane lifts for the erection of the vigil structure and Spencer Group is assisting in the overall management of health and safety for the project.
Dozens of other local businesses have also come forward to offer their products, services and resources in kind, helping to make the project possible.
From project management and architecture, to building supplies, scaffolding and more, businesses of different sizes have worked for months to cover every detail of the project.
Gavin Barley, General Manager of Hull Esteem, Hull City Council’s pre-procured framework which has supported the Hull Vigil with overall management and coordination of the project and communications, said: “It has been a huge team effort to make this possible and the contributions of all the businesses involved should not be underestimated.
“Working eight floors up on the top of Hull College in all weathers doesn’t come without its challenges and everyone has pulled out all the stops to make sure the foundations are there for this fantastic event for the city.
“We’re proud to work with our supply chain and partners, and everyone involved, particularly during what has been a testing time for businesses in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it complements our work of reinvestment in the city.
“This wonderful artistic project is bringing people together in a unique way and we’re honoured to play a part in it.”
The Hull Vigil has been created by Australian-Belgian choreographer Joanne Leighton from the Paris-based WLDN project, and has been running in Paris, Germany and the Netherlands continuously over the past eight years.
Hull will be the tenth ‘vigil’ and is presented as part of the Global Streets and Creative Europe in Situ programmes, funded by Arts Council England, as well as Hull City Council, Hull College and Hull Esteem.
It was originally planned to take place in March, but was postponed due to country’s third national lockdown delaying the build of the shelter and volunteer recruitment.
Anthony Baker, Executive Director and Joint CEO of Freedom Festival, said: “This amazing artistic project not only connects the city but it is being built and delivered by the local community.
“We’re incredibly grateful to have the expertise and support of Hull Esteem and their partners and contractors who are supporting the project in a host of ways including donating materials, equipment and time to construct the shelter and erect it on site. At such a difficult time for local businesses, we truly appreciate this support.
“Without this support and that of our partners and creative partners, it would not have been possible for us to bring this monumental performance to Hull.”
Businesses involved in the project include:
Brandon Hire - Security fencing
Briggs Amasco – Roof waterproofing
Builders Merchants – Plywood suppliers
Central Crane Hire - Crane lift and transportation
Dappat – Steelwork
Eddie Beadle – Steelwork and drilling
Elevation – Scaffolding
Freeths – Legal
GGP – Structural engineers
Giant Joinery – Ramp joinery work
GW Power – Temporary roof electrics and feature lighting
H&D Decorators – Decorative supplies
Kwiktuf – Glazing
MKM – Timber supplies
Morgan Wolff – Building control
NPS – Architect / ramp design
R&R Photography – Photography of the project from the outset
Radius Associates – Principal designer
S&D Flooring – Floor finishes
Shared Agenda Solutions – Project management
Vic Coupland Ltd – Shelter heating and ventilation
Vulcan Aluminium – Glazing / frames