About Us — Hull Spotlight

Welcome to Hull Spotlight, an independent platform dedicated to celebrating the heart, history, and people of Kingston upon Hull. We exist to shine a light on the stories that make our city truly special — from the docks to the dancefloors, from the cobbled streets of the Old Town to the ever-changing skyline along the Humber. Our mission is simple: to preserve Hull’s past while highlighting its present. We bring together the history, heritage, and hidden gems that often go unnoticed — the tales of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, the local businesses that keep our city thriving, and the voices that deserve to be heard. At Hull Spotlight, we dive deep into the city’s character — the proud working-class roots, the humour, the grit, and the spirit that defines us. Whether it’s exploring the golden age of the fishing industry, revisiting the city’s post-war transformation, or capturing the creative energy of today’s Hull, we aim to keep the conversation alive. We also share the modern-day stories shaping our future — the entrepreneurs, artists, and community heroes who remind us that Hull is more than just a place; it’s a living, breathing legacy. Our goal is to create a platform that everyone in Hull can feel part of. Whether you’re here to read, reminisce, or contribute, Hull Spotlight is your space to connect with the city we all love. Together, we can keep Hull’s story shining bright — one post, one photo, and one memory at a time. Hull Spotlight — Our city. Our stories. Past, present, and beyond.

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The Legendary Romeos & Juliets of Hull: A Look Back at the City’s Iconic Nightlife Era

For anyone who grew up in Hull or spent their youth in East Yorkshire during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the names Romeos & Juliets still carry a spark of nostalgia. Long before the age of smartphones, Uber rides, and late-night takeaways, this iconic nightclub duo stood at the heart of Hull’s nightlife — a beacon of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories. The Birth of an Era Romeos & Juliets — affectionately known as “R&Js” — wasn’t just another nightclub. It was a cultural landmark. Located in Albion Street , it became the go-to place for a generation of Hull locals looking to dance, socialise, and escape the pressures of everyday life. The club first opened its doors in the 1970s , during a time when Hull’s city centre was transforming, and new entertainment venues were beginning to shape the nightlife scene. Romeos and Juliets were technically two clubs in one — with Romeos catering to a slightly older, more relaxed crowd, while Juliets offered a livelier, hig...

The Pride of Hull: The Story of the Kirkella — Britain’s Last Great Distant-Water Trawler

There are few sights as striking as the gleaming white and yellow hull of the Kirkella cutting through the cold grey waters of the North Sea. Towering above the waves, her name painted proudly across her bow, this magnificent vessel stands not just as a trawler, but as a symbol — of Hull’s enduring connection to the sea, of its proud fishing heritage, and of a city that once fed a nation '> Kirkella represents the living legacy of a trade that shaped Hull’s identity for generations. A Modern Giant with Old-School Spirit Commissioned in 2018 , the Kirkella — officially registered as UK Fisheries’ Hull-based freezer trawler H 7 Kirkella — was built to bring the golden age of Hull’s fishing fleet into the twenty-first century. She was named in honour of the old fishing trawlers that bore the same name before her, continuing a proud line stretching back decades. Measuring 81 metres in length and weighing around 4,000 tonnes , the Kirkella is no ordinary trawler. She’s a s...

The Arctic Corsair: Hull’s Proud Guardian of the Cod Wars

The Arctic Corsair: Hull’s Proud Guardian of the Cod Wars When you stand before the Arctic Corsair , moored in the heart of Hull, you’re not just looking at a ship — you’re staring at a living monument to a city that once ruled the seas. The proud trawler, with her black hull and towering mast, embodies the spirit of Hull’s fishing heritage — resilience, defiance, and a deep bond with the cold northern waters that shaped generations. The Dawn of a Legend Built in 1960 by Cook, Welton & Gemmell at Beverley, the Arctic Corsair was more than just another trawler. She was designed to be a modern marvel of her time — fast, tough, and capable of surviving the brutal conditions of the Arctic Circle. At over 200 feet long, she joined Hull’s mighty deep-sea fishing fleet during a period when the city was known as one of the fishing capitals of the world. For Hull’s fishermen, these weren’t just ships — they were lifelines. The Arctic Corsair quickly became a legend among them for her s...

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