Wave of seaside fun to hit city centre

Free maritime-themed activities will take place in Hull city centre over the school summer break.

From Saturday, families will be treated to giant sand sculptures, puppets, interactive workshops and performances from dance troops.

Councillor Jackie Dad, the city's council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture, said: "Hull has a unique maritime story to tell, and this summer we're inviting residents and visitors alike to experience it in a fun, interactive and engaging way."

Hull's Maritime Museum is due to reopen on Saturday 8 August. The attraction has undergone a five-year, £20m revamp.

The Maritime Museum will feature artefacts from one of Hull's great whaling ships and one of the world's largest collections of art carved from whalebone.

Dad added: "Whether you're collecting passport stamps, meeting our colourful characters in Queen Victoria Square, getting creative in the Museums Quarter or simply enjoying a family day out, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the holidays and the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories together."

Events will take place from 11:00 until 16:00 BST on the following days:

The Life Aquatic: 25 July - 26 July

The summer festival will kick off with street performers including Lionfish, Octopi and a clown who will be showing off some circus skills.

A Flock of Fools: 31 July - 2 August

The second weekend will feature a large mural painting workshop, comedy and puppet shows, and den-building, as well as deep sea divers and pirate storytelling.

Shiver Me Timbers: 7 August - 9 August

Octopus characters, sea shanty-singing pirates will explore the city.

A Whale of a Time: 14 August - 16 August

Weekend four features inflatable whales, hovercraft workshops, pirate bubble performers and more puppets.

Of the Crustacean Persuasion: 21 August - 23 August

A giant lobster will take over the fifth weekend. There will also be an interactive drive-about act with Captain Monty Montague piloting a cabin cruiser, while towing his water-skiing wife, Minty.

The Mural of the Story: 28 August - 30 August

The activities will round off with safety talks from the RNLI and performances from local dance troop, Tamara and Jo.

Alongside the outdoor programme, Hull's museums and galleries will offer a range of exhibitions and opportunities to learn more about the city's history.

The full programme for the Hull Maritime Summer Festival can be found here.

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