The story continues. Make it an extraordinary year by becoming a City of Culture Volunteer.

Two years on since Hull became the UK’s City of Culture, the story continues for its iconic volunteers as Absolutely Cultured opens applications to join it’s infamous blue coated army.

From giant dominoes to planting thousands of tulips, last year over 2,000 City of Culture Volunteers continued to spread their magic across the city.

Remaining a familiar face at cultural locations and events they also expanded into new areas – completing over 2,400 hours of volunteering every week.

In November, Volunteers worked with local communities to plant thousands of tulip bulbs in 10 neighbourhoods across the city, in the first of seven volunteer-led community projects, part of its partnership with Nesta and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Shaun Crummey, Head of Volunteering at Absolutely Cultured, said: ”There is no set story for becoming a Volunteer – everyone’s journey is different. You may be looking to meet new people, develop skills for your CV, or just want to try something different as part of your New Year’s resolutions. What we can guarantee is that you get to be part of something really incredible, something unique to Hull.”

As well as the uniform and volunteer network you’ll also get access to an innovative Masterclass programme – optional training courses ranging from creative writing and dance to learning about Hull’s history archives and heritage.

Shaun continued: “The continuation of the Volunteering Programme into 2019 shows the tremendous appetite for volunteering in the city and wider region.We’re incredibly proud. Not only of what the Volunteers have achieved but what the future holds.”

Katy Fuller, Creative Director and Chief Executive of Absolutely Cultured, said: “The continuation of the Volunteering programme is one of the key pillars of legacy that we have taken forward as Absolutely Cultured.  Being part of such a distinctive and recognisable team, sharing values and empowering communities, I couldn’t encourage people more to take the first step and join up as a Volunteer.”

If you are interested in becoming a City of Culture Volunteer, sign up here.

Applications close in February. You will then be invited to attend a selection centre, followed by a three-part, fun-filled training day where the new volunteers will learn more about the city, its culture and try on the unmistakable blue uniform.

The Volunteering Programme is supported by funding from Spirt of 2012, Nesta and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).