To celebrate National Storytelling Week, Hull Libraries and Hull City Council are sharing some of the special memories people have of Whitefriargate in a series of oral history interviews.

The stories include memories of a thriving, bustling shopping street in the 1960s and 1970s, ice cream vans, nightclubs and restaurants, as well as thoughts and ideas about what Whitefriargate may become in the future.

A new interview will be released by the Untold Hull Oral History Archive to mark each day of National Storytelling Week from Saturday 30 January to Saturday 6 February.

The stories can be accessed at www.untoldhull.org

Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “Whitefriargate holds a special place in many people’s hearts. The historic street is an important part of Hull’s history so I’m delighted that this history will be explored and celebrated as part of this series from the Untold Hull Oral History Archive.”

The interviews are being collected by Hull Libraries as part of a project to unlock the potential of Hull’s Old Town.

It is being funded by Historic England as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone on Whitefriargate.

The project, which aims to revitalise Hull’s historic Whitefriargate area, is backed by £1.75m funding from government and a further £150k from Hull City Council.

Regeneration works will rejuvenate Whitefriargate by bringing unused upper-level floorspace back into use as residential accommodation and local communities will be engaged through an innovative programme of art and cultural projects                                                     
Chris Collett from Historic England said: “The aim of the Hull Whitefriargate High Street Heritage Action Zone is to breathe new life this part of the city centre by making the most of its special and unique heritage. This new oral history project will help to highlight the rich history of Whitefriargate, making it a more attractive place for local people and visitors.”  

To take part in the project and record your own memories and stories about Whitefriargate, call Untold Hull on 01482 613395 or email info@untoldhull.org