When and Where the Annual Air Raid Service to Take Place in Hull

It’s sometimes easy to forget that the quiet streets and familiar buildings around us have seen so much history. For the city of Hull, that history includes some incredibly tough times, especially during the Second World War. To make sure those times are never forgotten, an annual service is held to remember the people who lived through it.

This year marks a significant milestone: the 85th anniversary of the worst bombing the city endured. An upcoming event, the Citizens Air Raid Memorial Service, offers a chance for everyone to pause, reflect, and honour the city’s resilience and the lives that were changed forever.

Remembering the Hull blitz

Most people have heard of the London Blitz, but not everyone knows that Hull was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Britain outside the capital. Between 1939 and 1945, the city was hit by 82 major air raids. It’s a staggering number to think about. These weren't just small incidents; the bombing was widespread and devastating, leading to the deaths of over 1200 people. This loss of civilian life was a tragedy that shaped the city for generations. The annual service is a way to remember those fallen citizens and the scars left on the community. The focus of this year's memorial is the period of particularly heavy bombing that took place between the 7th and 9th of May in 1941, a time of intense fear and loss for the people of Hull.

The upcoming air raid service is designed to honour the memory of every person affected. It’s a moment to remember the immense courage shown by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The Blitz wasn't just about buildings falling; it was about communities pulling together. This annual service ensures that the stories of the fallen citizens of Hull are passed down, keeping their memory alive. It’s a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the importance of peace. The event will pay special tribute to those who perished during the heavy bombing of 1941, a period that still resonates within the city's collective memory.

A special service for fallen citizens

On Wednesday, 6th May 2026, the annual Citizens Air Raid Memorial Service will take place. This isn't just any memorial; it’s a dedicated event marking the 85th anniversary of the city’s most difficult days during the war. The service is a tribute to everyone who lost their lives, from families in their homes to the brave emergency service personnel who risked everything to help others during the bombing. It’s a formal yet deeply personal ceremony designed to commemorate civilian life and the spirit of the people of Hull.

The annual gathering is a cornerstone of the city’s remembrance calendar. It’s an opportunity to pay respects to the fallen citizens whose sacrifices should not be forgotten. The Citizens Air Raid Memorial Service also provides a moment to acknowledge the incredible bravery of the emergency service personnel, the firefighters, ambulance crews, and volunteers who faced the danger head-on. This ceremony is more than just a historical event; it’s an active act of remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of strength and survival in Hull continues to be honoured. The air raid service stands as a testament to the city’s unbreakable spirit in the face of terrible adversity and the many deaths it endured.

Hearing stories from the past

What makes this ceremony especially moving is the chance to connect with the past on a personal level. It’s one thing to read about history in a book, but it’s another thing entirely to hear it from someone who was actually there. Attendees at the service will have the unique opportunity to listen to the lived experiences of a Hull resident who lived through the Blitz. Hearing a first-hand account of what it was like, the sounds, the fear, the sense of community, brings history to life in a way that numbers and dates simply can’t. These lived experiences are a precious link to the past, offering a powerful perspective on the real human impact of the bombing.

The ceremony will be led by the Reverend Vicky Earll, creating a respectful and reflective atmosphere for all attendees. Sharing these personal stories is a vital part of the memorial, ensuring that the next generation understands the sacrifices that were made. For those attending the air raid service, it’s a chance to gain a deeper appreciation of what the people of Hull went through. It transforms history from a distant memory into a collection of real, human stories. The personal testimony from a Hull resident promises to be a poignant and unforgettable part of this year’s 85th anniversary event.

How to attend the air raid service

The Citizens Air Raid Memorial Service is open to everyone who wishes to pay their respects, and it is completely free to attend. The service will begin at 2 pm on Wednesday, 6th May 2026. It will be held at the Memorial Cenotaph inside the peaceful grounds of the Northern Cemetery, which is located on Chanterlands Avenue in Hull.

For those travelling by car, there’s no need to worry about finding a space, as there will be free parking available at the adjacent Chanterlands Crematorium. To make the afternoon more comfortable for everyone, free refreshments will also be provided, giving attendees a chance to chat and reflect after the ceremony. It’s a simple, accessible way for the community to come together and honour the fallen citizens and the resilience of a city that refused to be broken by the Blitz.

Event :Annual Citizens Air Raid Memorial Service

Date: Wednesday, 6th May 2026

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Memorial Cenotaph, Northern Cemetery, Chanterlands Avenue, Hull

Parking: Free parking at Chanterlands Crematorium

Refreshments: Free refreshments will be available