The sound of the city: December’s live music highlights
Bryan Adams
A line-up as diverse as it gets this month, by Rose Barker
December in Hull is shaping up to be one of the liveliest yet!
From stripped-back acoustic performances to full-on festival-style mayhem, the city’s venues are packed with talent and festive energy.
Here are my personal top gigs you won’t want to miss this month:
Kicking things off, Nerina Pallot brings her elegant indie-pop to Social on Thursday, December 4 (£20). With BRIT-nominated songwriting and recent tracks featured on Amazon’s Modern Love and BBC/RTE’s Normal People, her rich, expressive vocals promise to make the stage sparkle this Christmas.
A few days later, contemporary folk artist Ellie Pollard returns to HOI on Sunday, December 7 with a free entry gig. Known for her raw, commanding voice and deeply emotive songwriting, Ellie delivers intimate, heartfelt sets that hit perfectly in HOI’s cosy, creative space.
Big-venue nostalgia comes courtesy of Bryan Adams at Connexion Live on Monday, December 8 (£64.75), with classic anthems, guitar swagger and singalongs that will echo all the way down Jameson Street.
Hull folk-rock favourites Ramble Gamble play The People's Republic on Friday, December 12 (free entry), promising foot-stomping, whistle-blowing fun, while metal-tinged hardcore band Defector hit Dive on Sunday, December 14 (£5) with a stacked line-up supporting HEY Mind, it's high-energy, community-driven night showcases the strength of Hull’s grassroots scene.
Ska legends Bad Manners bring festive chaos to Wrecking Ball on Monday, December 15 (£28.50) for their 50th anniversary, while shoegaze heroes Bdrmm join electronic innovator Nathan Fake for a two-night Christmas takeover at Adelphi on the December 20 and 21 (£22.50), delivering an atmospheric, hypnotic seasonal send-off.
Metal fans aren’t left out, with Irontooth headlining O’Rileys’ Christmas heavy all-dayer on Sunday December 21 (£8), promising riffs, roaring vocals and a seriously loud holiday blowout.
Finally, Pablo Carrizo closes the month at Polar Bear Music Club on Tuesday, December 23 for The Sesh’s weekly night. Having recently sold out shows at the Adelphi and Social, this is a rare chance to catch the Hull-based musician live for free – what an absolute Christmas gift!
Hull’s December line-up is as diverse as it gets. From shoegaze and ska to folk, metal and pop, there’s a gig for every taste.
Pick your nights, grab your mates, and get out there to keep this city’s music heartbeat alive. I’m sure I’ll see you there, jingling all the way!
