I work in Hull, but live elsewhere. Like most big cities, it has its good and its bad, but I like it. It's certainly a lot better than when I first visited it about 16 years ago, but I can see why visitors might be a bit ambiguous about whether it deserves the award based on first impressions.
It has a lot going for it though - the theatres are great, there are some good festivals going on, the usual art galleries/musems and the Deep is well worth a day out.
I haven't been to Hull since 1973. It wasn't very nice then but I am willing to accept it has changed. There weren't any lights or heating on as it was the three day week so I probably wasn't seeing it at its best.
There's too much snobbery and the illusion of the class system still exists in the UK. We love to knock other parts of the country and look down our noses at certain places. I remember when Liverpool first got the title of "capital of culture" and the usual snobs came out in full force to denigrate the city. If people opened their eyes and minds, they would see just how fantastic places outside their own little bubble can be. Liverpool did a fantastic job of being capital of culture, I'm sure Hull will be just as great.
A friend of mine lived in Hull and the bit where she lived was lovely - leafy tree-lined roads, with immaculate 1930s semis and detached houses, all well kept, park nearby, nice local shops and so on. The last time I was there was for her funeral, so I doubt if I'll go back again.
Dundee never really stood a chance. If Scotland (foolishly) decides to go independent, then Dundee would no longer be part of the UK, so could hardly be declared the "UK City of Culture".
I don't know much about Hull, well nothing really, but knowing what it meant to Liverpool then I'm happy for them. It's a great catalyst.
Will have to see what they put on and maybe give them a visit.
Gutted for Swansea, but then again, with 2 English cities in the running and it going to NI the last time, it was never going to go out of England this time.
I have lived in Hull for 9 years now, moved from just outside Glasgow.
While Hull is not perfect and has its fair share of problems. I have never had any bother. I find the people friendly and generally positive. Yes, there are chavs and general idiots, but what city does not have them ? But the good people far out weigh the idiots, Its all ways easier to hate something the like something.
Like a lot of city's in the UK the old time industry has gone and there has been nothing to come along and replace it. Hopefully this will start to change and bring interest back to the city and surrounding areas.
If anyone is planning to visit, may I recommend the museum quarter. Lots of things to visit and its free ! The deep is well worth a visit also. My little lad loves it.
I was in Hull on Monday evening at Hull New Theatre seeing Will Young in Cabaret. The theatre itself and surrounding streets etc. were perfectly lovely. Made a real change from a theatre trip to Manchester or London. We were able to park really easily and get a pre theatre meal close by with no problems at all. Was a really pleasant experience from beginning to end - no stress or hassle.
I'm delighted for the residents of Hull. It's not too far from me and something like this gives the city a real boost .........much needed in this neck of the woods.
Incidentally ......Will Young was FAB-U-LOUS dahlings. If you've not sen Cabaret before I highly recommend it - great night out.
There's too much snobbery and the illusion of the class system still exists in the UK. We love to knock other parts of the country and look down our noses at certain places. I remember when Liverpool first got the title of "capital of culture" and the usual snobs came out in full force to denigrate the city. If people opened their eyes and minds, they would see just how fantastic places outside their own little bubble can be. Liverpool did a fantastic job of being capital of culture, I'm sure Hull will be just as great.
The UK Capital of Culture was born out of the success that Liverpool made of the European version! I've no doubt that Hull will make a success of their chance to shine.
What a load of fluff this all is. The Mayor of Derry was claiming it's year as CoC has been a "live changing experience" for the residents. What a load of hyperbole. Many of the events were disastrously attended.
Why this need to try and make something out of nothing? Hull is a drab, dreary post industrial city on the way to nowhere. Some of the people are very friendly, but I've stayed many a time when travelling on business and never found anything that would make me return voluntarily. You can be in Grimsby in 30 minutes. Need I say more?
Weekend of culture maybe. Anyone who thinks they can fill a year with Paul Heaton tunes is dreaming.
What a load of fluff this all is. The Mayor of Derry was claiming it's year as CoC has been a "live changing experience" for the residents. What a load of hyperbole. Many of the events were disastrously attended.
Why this need to try and make something out of nothing? Hull is a drab, dreary post industrial city on the way to nowhere. Some of the people are very friendly, but I've stayed many a time when travelling on business and never found anything that would make me return voluntarily. You can be in Grimsby in 30 minutes. Need I say more?
Weekend of culture maybe. Anyone who thinks they can fill a year with Paul Heaton tunes is dreaming.
I dunno - perhaps some people like a bit of something positive to look towards. If you genuinely think that all Hull has going for it are songs written by someone who now lives in Manchester anyway, then you're unlikely to see anything positive in the place however much there actually is.
Maybe you're just projecting your own inner misery
Comments
Maybe they can shed the stereotypical impression the rest of the country has about the city.
Wanted Dundee to get it
i like grimsby, scunthorpe and cleethorpes.
^This. I had my first cola float, on a barstool in Binns. Well, strictly, it was Hammonds in those days.
It has a lot going for it though - the theatres are great, there are some good festivals going on, the usual art galleries/musems and the Deep is well worth a day out.
Didn't think Leicester would get it, love Swansea and thought it would be in with a chance.
Never been to Hull so can't really comment, may have to give it a visit.
Dundee never really stood a chance. If Scotland (foolishly) decides to go independent, then Dundee would no longer be part of the UK, so could hardly be declared the "UK City of Culture".
Will have to see what they put on and maybe give them a visit.
While Hull is not perfect and has its fair share of problems. I have never had any bother. I find the people friendly and generally positive. Yes, there are chavs and general idiots, but what city does not have them ? But the good people far out weigh the idiots, Its all ways easier to hate something the like something.
Like a lot of city's in the UK the old time industry has gone and there has been nothing to come along and replace it. Hopefully this will start to change and bring interest back to the city and surrounding areas.
If anyone is planning to visit, may I recommend the museum quarter. Lots of things to visit and its free ! The deep is well worth a visit also. My little lad loves it.
I'm delighted for the residents of Hull. It's not too far from me and something like this gives the city a real boost .........much needed in this neck of the woods.
Incidentally ......Will Young was FAB-U-LOUS dahlings. If you've not sen Cabaret before I highly recommend it - great night out.
The UK Capital of Culture was born out of the success that Liverpool made of the European version! I've no doubt that Hull will make a success of their chance to shine.
Why this need to try and make something out of nothing? Hull is a drab, dreary post industrial city on the way to nowhere. Some of the people are very friendly, but I've stayed many a time when travelling on business and never found anything that would make me return voluntarily. You can be in Grimsby in 30 minutes. Need I say more?
Weekend of culture maybe. Anyone who thinks they can fill a year with Paul Heaton tunes is dreaming.
I dunno - perhaps some people like a bit of something positive to look towards. If you genuinely think that all Hull has going for it are songs written by someone who now lives in Manchester anyway, then you're unlikely to see anything positive in the place however much there actually is.
Maybe you're just projecting your own inner misery
Living in a city which doesn't have to compete in this farcical non-event tends to lead to a little cynicism.