Latest news
For more information members of the media can call Anna Millar at Hull City Council press office on 01482 615002 or email anna.millar@hullcc.gov.uk
Wilberforce Lecture to address China’s human rights Olympics 21/08/08
As the Beijing Olympics come to a close, the Wilberforce Lecture Trust is addressing the future of the host city's human rights policy at their next lecture, in partnership with Amnesty International. more »
‘The best for women’ in Sierra Leone is topic of next Freetown Society lecture 5/08/08
An international speaker on women’s rights will be visiting Hull tomorrow to deliver a Freetown Society lecture on the work being done to help children and women in our twin City. more »
Join ‘William Wilberforce’ on a tour of his former home 2/05/08
As part of Museums and Galleries month the team at Hull's Museum Education are launching a revolutionary way to enjoy William Wilberforce's birthplace and former home. more »
Young people from Hull tell their side of the story in new exhibition 4/03/08
Ever wondered what it is like being a teenager living in Hull today? In a new exhibition, pupils from Endeavour High School invite you to experience life from their perspective. “What’s Your Story?” uses films, photographs and personal objects to create an insight into the lives of a diverse group of young people. more »
Rare slave gun on display at Wilberforce House Museum 4/03/08
Wilberforce House Museum has secured the loan of a rare 18th century musket to add to its popular slave trade displays more »
Equiano exhibition arrives in Hull 4/03/08
A flagship exhibition which explores the life of former slave Olaudah Equiano will open in Hull tomorrow (05.03.08) more »
The Saved and the Trapped: Manchester and the Kindertransport 9/11/07
In 'The Saved and the Trapped: Manchester and the Kindertransport' Bill Williams of Manchester University examines the voices of child evacuees from Nazi Germany and their communication with their families. more »
A date for Anne’s Diary 31/10/07
A double anniversary will be marked by Anne Frank experience when it visitis Ferens Art gallery. more »
Archbishop to deliver Wilberforce message 29/10/07
Archbishop of York to deliver Wilberforce 2007 Lecture in Hull more »
Young actors make Westminster their stage 19/10/07
Actors from Hull Truck Youth Theatre have staged a first at the House of Commons to mark Wilberforce 2007. more »
“We name this train William Wilberforce” 18/10/07
A train has been named in honour of William Wilberforce by Northern Rail. more »
Trailblazers rev-up for long journey 15/10/07
Preparations are underway for the departure of the vehicles which will drive the Hull freedom Trail. more »
Album launch for Wilberforce 15/10/07
A compilation album commemorating the bi-centenary of the abolition of slavery is being launched. more »
Pupils discover world enterprise 15/10/07
Pupils will learn about the ethical and social responsibilty of trading resources in "Our Wold". more »
Ex-EastEnder wins justice award 10/10/07
Former soap star turned MEP, Michael Cashman, has come top of the poll in a vote by his parliamentary colleagues in the Justice and Human Rights category. more »
World Premier of Disposable People 9/10/07
Tickets are now on sale for the world premiere of Disposable People, an exciting piece of multi-media theatre, which opens in Hull's Marina Boat Shed on Monday 15th October. more »
World premiere tackles trafficking 8/10/07
Award-winning writing duo John Godber and Jane Thornton have penned the Wilberforce 2007 world premiere "Sold". more »
UN bolsters fight against slavery 28/09/07
The campaign to end all forms of slavery has taken an historic step forward. more »
WISE welcomes bicentenary scholars 25/09/07
WISE welcomes 10 Bicentenary Scholarship students to the city who have been inspired to learn more about historic and contemporary forms of slavery. more »
Celebration of African and Caribbean culture 24/09/07
Hull museums and galleries and the University of Hull will be hosting a series of displays, events and lectures as part of October's Black History Month. more »
Twin city celebrations 18/09/07
The first Freetown Day will be held on October 25 to celebrate the link between Hull and Freetown – the capital of Sierra Leone. more »
Shipshape for Fairtrade festival 18/09/07
Hull is hosting a two-day Fairtrade festival which will compliment the Wilberforce 2007 year. more »
Big conversation on slavery 17/09/07
Big Conversation 2007 organisers are encouraging young people to have their say on slavery by submitting an article, audio interview or short film. more »
Petition message sets sail 16/09/07
The first member of a tag team to take the Wilberforce 2007 anti-slavery petition around the world on the Hull and Humber clipper has set sail. more »
Hat-trick of poignant exhibitions 13/09/07
The city has attracted three world-class exhibitions for the final part of the Wilberforce 2007 year. more »
Ex-soap star up for justice award 12/09/07
MEP and former actor Michael cashman has been nominated for an award for his contribution to Justice and Human Rights. more »
WISE call for papers 12/09/07
The Wilberforce Institue for the study of Slavery and Emancipation is calling for papers for a fothcoming conference. more »
Well done to DVD winners 7/09/07
Five winners have been drawn for the Amazing Grace DVD and soundtrack giveaway. more »
Exhibition of Wilberforce Trail 4/09/07
An exhibition that brings together the sights, sounds and stories of the Walking with Wilberforce trail launches this week. more »
Amazing Grace DVD competition 9/08/07
The moving epic film Amazing Grace is released on DVD this week and we have five copies and sound tracks to give away. All you have to do is email the answer to our question to be be in with the chance of winning. more »
Diposable People Tickets on Sale 7/08/07
Tickets are now on sale for the world premiere of Disposable People, an exciting piece of multi-media theatre, which will take place in Hull in October. more »
McClaren adds kick to Wilberforce goal 3/08/07
Steve McClaren has given his support to the Wilberforce petition campaign. more »
Sun smiles on weekender 31/07/07
More than 50,000 flocked to Hull for the successful Wilberforce Weekender events that stretched from the Humber to Queens Gardens. more »
Sankofa Sunsplash 24/07/07
Thanks to everyone who was involved in the Sankofa Sunsplash..including the sun! > more »
Wilberforce House Development 20/06/07
A community consultation event will be held this Saturday (23.06.07) to give members of the public the opportunity to say what they would like to see included in phase two of the Wilberforce House Museum development project. more »
‘Walking with Wilberforce’ introduced to the public 9/06/07
A heritage trail that will take people on a journey through Hull’s historic old town giving visitors a taste of life in William Wilberforce’s time has launched today (09.06.07). more »
Steel Band Workshops 9/06/07
The BBC Open Centre in Hull is running free steel band workshops. more »
Wilberforce bells ring for commemorative event 8/06/07
The bells of Holy Trinity Church will ring a little more than usual today thanks to a pealing of the bells to commemorate the bicentennial year of the passing of the Slave Trade Act more »
Time running out to showcase at Sankofa Sunsplash 8/06/07
Community groups and organisations are being urged to apply to be part of on of the biggest Wilberforce 2007 events as places are becoming limited in number. more »
Mauritian Prime Minster visits the University of Hull 6/06/07
Dr the Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius visited the University of Hull today to accept a scholarship from the Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Barry Winn. more »
Silver Freedom Centrepiece 2007 unveiled by Prime Minister of Mauritius 5/06/07
During his visit to Hull, the Prime Minister of Mauritius has unveiled a silver centre piece, which has been commissioned by the city of Hull to commemorate the bicentenary of the passing of the Slave Trade Act more »
Wilberforce 2007 petition backed by Prime Minister of Mauritius 4/06/07
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr The Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam has shown his support for Hull’s fight against modern day slavery, by signing the city’s Fight for Freedom campaign petition. more »
Prime Minister of Mauritius visits Hull for Wilberforce 2007 4/06/07
Dr The Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius is in Hull this week as part of Wilberforce 2007 commemorations. more »
British Slave Trade online thanks to Parliamentary Archives 23/05/07
‘Parliament and the British Slave Trade 1600 – 1807’ a new website from the Parliamentary Archives, uses original source material, interwoven with narrative from expert historians, to tell the story of Parliament’s complex relationship with the British slave trade. The website enables visitors, anywhere in the world, to examine key documents, engage with the issues and voice their views. more »
Amazing Grace DVD release date set 23/05/07
The film about Hull's William Wilberforce, Amazing Grace, is set to be released on DVD more »
La Bouche du Roi - 300 masks, 12 million enslaved people, 200 years ago 22/05/07
Ferens Art Gallery, Hull 2 June - 15 July 2007 more »
Archbishop Tutu signs Wilberforce 2007 petition 21/05/07
Noble Peace Prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has backed the city of Hull’s Fight for Freedom campaign petition. more »
World expert to deliver modern day slavery message in Hull 16/05/07
Slavery is often thought of as something in our past rather than a modern day issue, a common myth Anti-Slavery International Director, Aidan McQuade will try to dispel in Hull next week. more »
Salsa and samba rhythm brought to Wilberforce 2007 thanks to MIND 16/05/07
Thanks to a Wilberforce 2007 small grant, two Hull and East Yorkshire Mind projects are getting ready to inject a hot and spicy flavour to the commemorations as they launch their salsa dancing and samba drumming project. more »
Wednesday Wheelers cycle with Wilberforce 16/05/07
A group of cyclists from York set from Hull this morning (17.05.07) on the newly launched Wilberforce Way heritage trail which follows the Wilberforce story from Hull to York. more »
International slavery conference of the year in Hull 10/05/07
The most significant International Slavery Conference of the year, ‘Unfinished Business’, will be hosted by the University of Hull’s WISE Institute on 16-19 May. more »
Wilberforce Short Breaks 2/05/07
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, a series of themed short breaks are available this summer in Hull - the home city of the inspiring William Wilberforce more »
The Ferens Art Gallery, Hull presents: The Abolitionist’s Parlour by Keith Piper - 5 May to 24 Jun 30/04/07
An exciting, new artwork by acclaimed contemporary artist Keith Piper has been specially commissioned for Hull Museums. The Abolitionist’s Parlour complements activities taking place across the city and beyond to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. more »
Volunteers sought to help mark 60th anniversary of the Diary of Anne Frank 27/04/07
The Anne Frank Trust and Hull Museums are seeking volunteer guides to help visitors explore the themes of ‘Anne Frank + You’, a major exhibition staged by the Ferens Art Gallery later this year more »
Tutu’s wise words 26/04/07
The Most Revd Dr. Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, will be visiting the city of Hull to deliver the Wilberforce Emancipation Lecture on Thursday 17 May. more »
Limited number of tickets remain for Fairtrade Fashion show 25/04/07
There are only a limited number of tickets left for the only ethical fashion event of the year, as Hull College hosts the Fair Trade Fashion Show on Friday 27th April. more »
Archbishop of Canterbury signs Wilberforce 2007 petition 24/04/07
The 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has backed the city of Hull’s Fight for Freedom petition, which is lobbying for the eradication of modern day slavery more »
Wilberforce flag flying at London Marathon 20/04/07
When you are sat at home watching this year’s Flora London Marathon, wishing you were fit enough to take part, watch out for Hull’s very own Wilberforce 2007 runner. more »
Tigers support Wilberforce 2007 petition 12/04/07
Hull City players have taken time out after their busy training schedule to back the Wilberforce 2007 petition more »
Walking for freedom 2/04/07
Kath Stephenson and Carol Williams of Hull Local Studies Library will be walking the Ebor Way starting on 12 April. This is a 70 mile walk from Helmsley to Ilkley which they plan to do in four days. more »
Prime Minister of Barbados officially opens Wilberforce House Museum on abolition bicentenary 28/03/07
The Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Hon. Owen Arthur officially reopened William Wilberforce’s birthplace and home, Wilberforce House Museum, today (25.03.07) on the bicentenary of the passing of the Slave Trade Act. more »
CARGO: Be ready to be amazed 26/03/07
The Premiere of Paul Field’s new contempory musical ‘Cargo: the fight for Freedom’ goes on stage on Saturday 31st March in Hull City Hall. more »
Stars of Hollywood film sign Wilberforce 2007 petition 22/03/07
Hull’s Fight for Freedom campaign got a star studded boost as the cast of Amazing Grace signed the city’s petition, which is lobbying for the eradication of modern day slavery more »
Wilberforce 2007 heads for Brussels 22/03/07
Wilberforce 2007 to feature in Yorkshireurope offices more »
Abolitionist’s stamps launch at Wilberforce’s birthplace and home 22/03/07
A first class stamp honouring the role William Wilberforce played in the abolition of the slave trade has been presented to the Lord Mayor of Hull, Cllr Trevor Larsen, on behalf of the Wilberforce House and the city of Hull. more »
Wilberforce 2007 partners investing wisely 21/03/07
The University of Hull is marking the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery by making a significant investment in the scholars of tomorrow more »
Hull choral union’s Wilberforce concert limited tickets remaining 21/03/07
Limited tickets are available for Hull Choral Union's Wilberforce Concert on Saturday 24th March. more »
Prime Minister of Barbados lecture sold out 19/03/07
Tickets for the lecture to be delivered by The Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Hon. Mr Owen Arthur on Sunday 25th March 2007 have sold out. more »
Prime Minister of Barbados lecture limited tickets remaining 16/03/07
Tickets for the lecture to be delivered by The Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Hon. Mr Owen Arthur on Sunday 25th March 2007 are limited in number. more »
Rotary Club of Hull join Wilberforce 2007 15/03/07
The Rotary Club of Hull is on the search for runners to take part in their annual half marathon and family fun run on Sunday 24th June, as part of Wilberforce 2007. more »
Award winning author visits Hull for Wilberforce 2007 13/03/07
The author of the book at the centre of the UK’s largest mass reading project, Small Island Read 2007, will be visiting Hull today as part of Wilberforce 2007. more »
Wilberforce 2007 welcomes support of Hull Screen and University of Lincoln 28/02/07
Hull’s only independent cinema and University of Lincoln have joined forces to support the Wilberforce 2007 commemorations more »
Abolitionists to grace set of commemorative stamps 28/02/07
The Royal Mail is to launch a set of stamps to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the passing of the slave trade act, which is to include a 1st class Wilberforce stamp more »
Prime Minister of Barbados to deliver Wilberforce lecture 21/02/07
The Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Hon. Mr Owen Arthur will deliver a Wilberforce lecture in Hull on the bicentenary of the passing of the slave trade act, Sunday 25th March 2007 more »
Record Attendance for Wilberforce Convention 20/02/07
Over 250 delegates will attend Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber’s (CRC) convention on responding to modern forms of slavery this week. more »
Young voices pave the way for freedom with a song for Wilberforce 16/02/07
A group of young people from Hull, who were inspired by William Wilberforce’s fight for the freedom of others, have produced a CD with their message for 2007. more »
Wilberforce education programme a sell out 2/02/07
The forthcoming Wilberforce education programme run by Hull Museums has seen an unprecedented demand, with all sessions until September fully booked. more »
Wilberforce education team visit number 10 2/02/07
Two senior education officers from Wilberforce House attended a very special event at one of the UK’s best known homes. more »
New Walk Links Wilberforce Landmarks 31/01/07
‘Wilberforce Way’, a new 35 mile walk will be launched in May 2007 more »
Archbishop Fitzgerald signs Wilberforce petition 18/01/07
Britain’s highest ranking Roman Catholic official has backed the Wilberforce 2007 petition which aims to lobby for the eradication of modern-day slavery. more »
21st Century slavery expert backs Hull’s petition 15/01/07
One of the world’s leading experts on modern day slavery has given the people of Hull his vote of confidence in their campaign lobbying to end modern day slavery. more »
‘William Wilberforce’ launches UK’s largest mass reading project in Hull 11/01/07
The UK’s largest mass reading project, Small Island Read 2007, was launched in Hull last week (11th January) with the help of a well known abolitionist and former Hull MP. more »
Walking with Wilberforce trail one step closer 8/01/07
A proposed heritage trail following in the footsteps of Hull’s most famous son has taken a step closer to being realised, thanks to funding from Yorkshire Forward. more »
Limited tickets for Wilberforce Lecture remaining 8/01/07
Only a limited number of tickets remain for the first Wilberforce Lecture of 2007, which will be delivered by one of Britain’s highest ranking Roman Catholic officials. more »
Wilberforce Cup race announced for 200th anniversary year 28/11/06
Hull is preparing itself to host a unique event following the exciting announcement by Yorkshire Forward that the Hull and Humber city-region will be represented in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. more »
Songs of Slavery 20/11/06
CD available now more »
Hull City council send 30 Green Goddesses to Sierra Leone 16/11/06
Hull City Council has arranged the transportation of a gift of 30 Green Goddess fire engines to its twin city Freetown, Sierra Leone in the single largest donation of vehicles ever facilitated by a UK local authority. more »
Internationally Renowned Writer & Producer Appointed to Soul City Hull Album Project 30/10/06
Wayne Brown appointed as album producer. more »
New Statesmen 23 October 2006 23/10/06
William Wilberforce - Britain's forgotten hero by William Cook more »
Wilberforce Argues for the Abolition of The British Slave Trade 18/10/06
School children from Hull and around the country are to take part in a unique recreation of the debate, which led to the abolition of the British slave trade. more »
Sir Willard White to Sing In Hull 12/10/06
World famous bass-baritone singer Sir Willard White is to perform at Hull City Hall on October 19. This will be one of the first high profile events in a packed programme for Wilberforce 2007. more »
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Visit to Hull in 2007 11/10/06
The Wilberforce Lecture Trust is sponsoring a visit to Hull on Tuesday 24 April by Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury. more »
Music legends join the Soul City crew 18/09/06
The Hull based radio company Soul City, has received pledges of support from some of the biggest names in Soul music to perform on their upcoming charity compilation album for the Wilberforce 2007 programme – commemorating the bi-centenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade in the UK. more »
Countdown starts with floodlit Wilberforce monument 6/09/06
Countdown starts in Hull... 200 days until 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade more »
Wilberforce Monument Project 4/09/06
The city's monument to the pioneering Hull MP William Wilberforce has now been cleaned ahead of the 2007 events to commemorate his part in the abolition of the UK slave trade. more »
200-day countdown to the Wilberforce 2007 celebrations 22/08/06
6 September 2006 will mark 200 days to March 25 next year - the day exactly 200 years ago when the Abolition of Slave Trade Bill was passed through Parliament. Hull City Council will be celebrating this momentous date with a variety of exciting events for the whole family. more »
Praise for UK’s First Research Institute Dedicated to the Study of Slavery and Emancipation 6/07/06
The President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, delighted crowds today by officially opening the University of Hull’s Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE). more »
