The Witching Hour FAQs
We’re thrilled you’d like to join us at The Witching Hour in East Park. We have provided some useful information below to help make your preparations for this event as easy and enjoyable as possible.
WHAT, WHERE, WHEN
What day does ‘The Witching Hour’ take place?
Join us at The Witching Hour in East Park on Friday 3, Saturday 4 or Sunday 5 May 2019. Please arrive for a 9:30pm start.
What is The Witching Hour?
The Witching Hour is a large-scale outdoor performance by Periplum taking place in Hull and Wirral in May 2019.
The Witching Hour explores stories of local wise women, magical mythical characters and childhood memories from the two parks, immersing the audience in tales of alchemy and legend, brought to life with spellbinding theatre, magic and wonder.
It will feature live performance, a specially commissioned soundtrack, theatrical lighting, fire, pyrotechnics and promenading action taking place in and around the audience.
The Witching Hour has been commissioned by Absolutely Cultured and Wirral Borough of Culture 2019 – two amazing locations each using culture to breathe energy into place and connect communities.
Designed to connect people and inspire imagination, the performance draws on the unique characteristics of Hull and Wirral, which have been developed in consultation with local communities and artists, inspiring the creative direction and weaving a story between the two locations.
Where does The Witching Hour take place?
The Witching Hour takes place in East Park in the heart of East Hull. Access to the site is via the Main Gates on Holderness Road, or via the West Gates on Summergangs Road.
Once inside the park you will be directed to the performance area. Please follow instructions from our team, and do not stray into other areas of the park.
See “Getting to East Park” below for information on how to get there.
What time does The Witching Hour begin and end?
The Witching Hour takes place after dark, starting at 9:30pm and lasts for approximately one hour.
Please ensure you have allowed enough time to get to the performance area within the park for a 9:30pm start.
Do I need a ticket?
The Witching Hour is free, and no booking is required. Entry is on a first come first served basis.
What should I wear?
The Witching Hour takes place on grass in East Park after dark and will go ahead in most weathers. Although lighting will be provided, pathways and the performance area may be muddy and uneven under foot.
Please dress for the weather, wearing sensible footwear.
If it rains please wear waterproofs and do not bring umbrellas as they may block the view of others.
Is there allocated seating?
General seating is not available.
Please do not bring your own chairs as they will not be permitted.
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CHILDREN & DOGS
Is The Witching Hour suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for all that wish to join us.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Due to the nature of the performance, which includes moving action in and around the audience, we advise parents to only bring pushchairs or prams if absolutely necessary.
Are dogs allowed?
We are expecting thousands to attend The Witching Hour, which takes place after dark, and features pyrotechnic effects, therefore it may be a frightening experience for animals. With the exception of assistance dogs, animals will not be admitted.
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GETTING TO EAST PARK
How do I get to East Park?
Parking is extremely limited around East Park, so we advise use of public transport or travelling by foot where possible. Please see below for details on public transport and parking.
Public Transport
Main pedestrian access to the site is via Holderness Road. There are a number of bus services that make stops along Holderness Road with a regular timetable both before and after the event times on all days.
Please visit www.eyms.co.uk or www.stagecoachbus.com for full timetables.
By Foot
Please head to the entrance gates on Holderness Road or Summergangs Road. These are the only park gates that will be open. Please follow directional signage and look out for members of our team who can help you find your way.
Cycling
Bicycles will not be admitted into the site. Please travel by public transport or on foot.
Parking
There will be limited parking available for blue badge holders on a first come first serve basis. This is located inside the park via the Holderness Road gates.
A limited number of parking spaces are available at Morrisons Supermarket, Holderness Road, HU9 3JA. Approximately a 10-minute walk to the entrance on Holderness Road
Please respect the local residents by not parking in the streets surrounding the park.
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TOILETS & ACCESSIBILITY
Are there toilets nearby?
We have arranged for temporary toilets, including accessible toilets, to be available within the park.
What considerations have been made for those with disabilities?
There will be limited parking available for blue badge holders on a first come first served basis. This is located inside the park via the Holderness Road gates.
Access from blue badge parking to the performance site is approximately 420m of pathway. Although the site it accessible for wheelchairs, the performance itself takes place on grass, which may be uneven and may become muddy under wet weather conditions. Lighting will be provided, but pathways to the performance area may be muddy and uneven. We advise using your own judgement regarding likely conditions and individual needs.
Please speak to a member of staff on arrival who will advise you on the best vantage points in the performance area.
There will be a viewing platform with a limited number of spaces available for wheelchair users and a small number of seats available to those with mobility issues. Spaces on the viewing platform must be booked in advance. Please contact getinvolved@absolutelycultured.co.uk to book your place.
If you feel that you would benefit from a familiarisation visit to the site before the event this can be arranged subject to availability. Please contact Roisha Wardlaw at getinvolved@absolutelycultured.co.uk to discuss.
Is the performance suitable for audience members with photosensitive epilepsy?
The performance features flashing lights and pyrotechnic effects. We would advise using your own judgement regarding individual needs.
What considerations have been made for people who require a more relaxed experience?
The Witching Hour will be highly visual, and will contain amplified music, live action in and around the audience, and pyrotechnic effects which will create some sudden loud noises.
Please bear in mind that we are expecting large crowds to attend The Witching Hour, so we advise using your own judgement regarding individual needs.
A small number of ear defenders will be available, should any of your group require them to help make the experience more comfortable. Please speak to a member of staff upon arrival who will also direct you to a less crowded viewing area.
Can you provide information in alternative formats or languages?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide advance information in languages other than English.
The event will be highly visual, and therefore it can be enjoyed regardless of which language you use.
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WEATHER CONDITIONS
Will The Witching Hour be cancelled in bad weather?
The Witching Hour is planned to take place only on Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May, and therefore is unlikely to be cancelled in bad weather such as rain or light winds. If it does rain, please wear waterproofs and don’t use umbrellas as they may block the view of others.
In the event of severe weather, such as storms and high winds, please check our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter in the first instance, where we will share up to date information, on the day and before you travel.
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Social Media
We hope you enjoy The Witching Hour. Don’t forget to share your pictures on social media using #TheWitchingHourHull
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TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Animals, with the exception of assistance dogs, are not permitted.
- No alcohol is permitted within the site.
- Food and beverage items (excluding alcohol) may be brought to the site for personal consumption only. Food and beverage will not be for sale within the site.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Re-admission once the gates have closed is not permitted.
- The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry, and will do so if you are under the influence of alcohol or an illegal substance, or for any other reason at our discretion.
- In the unlikely event that attendance is oversubscribed the organisers reserve the right to limit entry in the interest of public safety.
- Latecomers will not be admitted.
- Admission to the site is at your own risk and the organisers have no liability whatsoever for any loss, damage, death, or injury to you or your property which is not caused by its negligence.
- You are not permitted to use professional audio, video and/or photographic equipment within the site without the express permission of the organisers.
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CANCELLATION
This is an outdoor event, so please be prepared for varying weather conditions. In the unlikely event we need to cancel notices will be posted via our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter and on this website. Please check back here before travelling to the site.