Ella Street Festival Returns Bigger Than Ever for 2026

One of Hull's most loved community events is set to return this summer as the Ella Street Festival celebrates 19 years of bringing neighbours, families, and the wider community together.

Organised entirely by the Ella Street Residents Association and a dedicated team of volunteers, the festival takes place every two years and has become a highlight of the local community calendar.

This year's festival will take place on Saturday 27 June, from 11am until 4.30pm, and promises to be bigger than ever, with activities taking place across the lawn and along Ella Street.

Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of live entertainment, including live music, swing and Morris dancing, ukulele performances, spoken word, African drumming, circus skills workshops, and community activities for all ages throughout the day.

Returning favourites include the ever-popular Ella Olympics and the legendary paint fight, while new additions this year include a biscuit dunking competition and a community cake competition. The Beats Bus will also be joining the celebrations, alongside a fantastic line-up of local performers and musicians.

There will also be a range of food stalls, crafts, community organisations, and activities for all ages, making it a fantastic day out for families and residents alike.

The event has been made possible thanks to successful funding bids from Hull City Council through the Avenue Ward Budget, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Gail, Chair of the Ella Street Festival Committee, said: "The Ella Street Festival is all about bringing people together and celebrating our community. What started as a local street event has grown into something really special over the last 19 years. We're incredibly proud of what our volunteers achieve every two years, and we're looking forward to welcoming residents old and new and those from the surrounding community for another fantastic day."

The festival has grown significantly since it was first established, becoming a celebration not only of Ella Street but of the wider community. Hundreds of residents attend each event, enjoying a unique mix of creativity, culture, sport, music, and community spirit. Organisers hope this year's expanded programme will attract even more people and continue the festival's tradition of bringing neighbours together and showcasing the best of local talent.

Resident and volunteer Shaun Blagden added: "This year's festival is bigger than ever. After a short break from using the tenfoot, it's fantastic to bring the event back onto the street and create even more space for activities, entertainment, and people to come together. The festival has always been about community spirit, and we're excited to see everyone back enjoying it together."

The Ella Street Festival remains one of Hull's longest-running volunteer-led community events, showcasing the power of local people coming together to create something special for their neighbourhood.

Residents and visitors of all ages are encouraged to come along on Saturday 27 June and be part of a tradition that has been bringing the community together for nearly two decades.