Impact of Hull 2017 revealed
More than 5 million people visited 2,800 events during Hull UK City of Culture.
New figures showing the impact of Hull 2017 have been released today.
5.3 million people visited over 2,800 UK City of Culture events - new research by the University of Hull has found.
Over half of those people were from Hull with nearly all residents (over 95%) attending at least one cultural activity in 2017.
The city attracted 1.3 million extra visitors last year, compared to in 2013 when Hull bid for the title.
It's also had a great economic impact with the city's year in the spotlight helping to generate around £300m for the local economy.
Nearly 800 jobs have also been created in the arts and cultural sectors since Hull was awarded the title.
The study also found how a sense of pride has been created on the back of Hull 2017. Of those who visited the city last year, 61% stated they were likely or very likely to return in the future.
While 75% stated that the culture year changed their perception of the city for the better
Hull City Council leader Stephen Brady says it's now about building a legacy on the back of 2017:
“The impact our City of Culture journey has had on local people has been just as remarkable. Levels of participation and pride within the city have exceeded all of our expectations**.
“The project has also resulted in soaring confidence in Hull from outside the city, and we know that there is more investment to come.
“Our legacy plans have been in place since 2013 and we are already on our way to fulfilling them with the 3,500 seat music and conference centre Hull Venue, detailed plans for Yorkshire’s Cruise Terminal in development, a £27million project to create a new visitor attraction around the city’s Maritime History, as well as more major art commissions from the newly formed Culture Company, who will ensure Hull stays on the international culture map."
Professor Glenn Burgess, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull and Hull 2017 Board Member, said:
"The city has capitalised well on the boost being City of Culture has provided, delivering positive social impacts and building its cultural infrastructure significantly right across the city. 2017 is the foundation for what comes next for Hull. The onus is now on Hull to build upon the success of the year and continue to develop a vibrant cultural city – I have every confidence that it will do so."