The Queen visits Hull – England's first city of culture

Her Majesty, The Queen visited Kingston upon Hull to mark its year as the United Kingdom's City of Culture.

The Queen arrived by train to Hull Railway Station, where she was greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Riding and City of Culture Volunteers.

The UK City of Culture is given to a city in the UK for one year. The initiative, run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, is designed to give significant social and economic benefits to the area. The first UK City of Culture was Derry in Northern Ireland in 2013 and currently Coventry, Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea are in the running to take on the title.

For 365 days, the city runs a programme of cultural events and creativity inspired by the city itself. So far over 1,500 events have taken place across the city – with more to come.

Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit during the City's 'Year of Culture' before commencing a short walkabout.

The Queen then visited Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Ltd – a wind turbine blade factory. Her Majesty also met school students involved in the 'Green Power' project which aims to inspire young people into a career in engineering by building and racing electric powered cars.

Lastly, The Queen visited University of Hull to officially open the Allam Medical Building which sits in the heart of the university's £28 million health campus. The University Vice-Chancellor took Her Majesty on a tour of the new facilities, meeting nursing care students and tutors and even visiting a operating theatre. The Queen also watched a training session on robotic mannequin patients. This training helps to develop the skills and confidence required to transition into a clinical setting.

Before leaving Hull, The Queen attended a private lunch with representatives from the university, Hull City of Culture and other dignitaries.

Find out more about Hull's year as City of Culture here.