Hull Magazine arrives at a pivotal moment for Kingston upon Hull. This city of 275,401 residents, perched where the River Hull meets the Humber Estuary, carries over 800 years of maritime history within its streets. From its origins as the town of Wyke founded by monks in the 12th century to its recognition as UK City of Culture in 2017, Hull continues to evolve while honouring its past.
Why Hull, Why Now
The timing could not be more significant. Hull stands at the intersection of heritage and renewal. A £65 million Hull Maritime project is transforming the city's old docks and museums, with new attractions expected to open in 2026. The city has earned international attention, ranking second in Time Out's 2024 list of the best places to visit in the UK and previously named one of the top ten cities to visit worldwide by Rough Guides.
Yet Hull remains a city of contrasts. It ranks among the most deprived local authorities in England, with lower than average life expectancy. This duality, the tension between cultural renaissance and economic challenge, makes Hull's stories worth telling with depth and honesty.
What Hull Magazine Will Cover
Hull Magazine is dedicated to the people, places, and issues that shape life in this distinctive city. Our coverage spans the historic Old Town, with its Museums Quarter on High Street and the medieval Hull Minster, to the regenerated Fruit Market district and the bustling Hull Marina, home to 270 berths and host to the city's Jazz and Sea Shanty Festivals.
We will report on the institutions that define Hull: The Deep aquarium, which has become one of the UK's most celebrated visitor attractions; the Ferens Art Gallery, which hosted the Turner Prize during Hull's year as City of Culture; and the Hull Truck Theatre, a cornerstone of the city's performing arts scene.
The sporting rivalries that divide and unite the city will feature prominently. Hull F.C. and Hull Kingston Rovers contest one of rugby league's most passionate derbies, while Hull City A.F.C. carries the city's football hopes. These clubs are more than teams; they are community institutions woven into the fabric of Hull life.
A City of Stories
Hull's history is marked by resilience. During the Second World War, the Hull Blitz left 95% of houses damaged or destroyed, making it the second most severely bombed British city after London. More than 1,200 residents lost their lives. The city rebuilt, and that spirit of endurance continues to define Hull today.
The city's creative reputation has earned it the nickname "Hullywood." Productions including The Crown, Enola Holmes 2, and The Personal History of David Copperfield have filmed on Hull's streets. A £3 million film studio complex has been approved, potentially opening by the end of 2025, signalling further growth in the creative sector.
The Magazine's Commitment
Hull Magazine recognises that local journalism matters. The city's media landscape has transformed dramatically. The Hull Daily Mail, founded in 1885 and tracing its origins to the Hull Packet of 1787, now operates primarily as Hull Live following its acquisition by Reach plc. While this digital shift has expanded reach, it has also created space for a publication focused on depth, community, and the stories that algorithms might overlook.
This magazine is committed to accuracy, fairness, and local relevance. We will cover council decisions affecting residents, development projects altering the city's landscape, cultural events bringing communities together, and the everyday triumphs and challenges of Hullensians.
Hull Magazine belongs to the city it serves. We invite readers to share their stories, concerns, and perspectives. This is a publication built on the understanding that Hull's strength lies in its people: the dock workers and maritime engineers who built its reputation, the artists and musicians who have made it a cultural destination, the shopkeepers and business owners keeping the city centre alive, and the families who have called Hull home for generations.
The city has waited. The stories are ready to be told.