“The Boathouse” was founded in 2000 by Paul Burwell (look up Bow Gamelan) and Harry Palmer with a grant from the arts council during the millennium year of the artist. The Arts Council`s brief was simple:- six events relating to the river Hull. The 6th event to buy the run down and semi derelict Kingston Rowing Club. A house with a huge shed and garden, on Oak Road playing fields, Hull. Here started a journey into experimental arts and music.

The site rapidly became a vibrant centre for Hull`s cultural underground. Visitors came from around the world to be involved in the mad, addictive creativity. The ethos of money was almost irrelevent! No one was paid to perform and nothing was charged to enter. Participation was far more important. People did their own thing and mucked in!! Harry left within the first year returning after Pauls death (2008) only to sell the site. But the spirit still lives. So many of us were inspired by The Boathouse.

Far too many to list. We kept it going in our hearts and work. Without this inspiration, Jayney Wright would never have created “of the road” putting live music into dozens of local venues….

Here at “The Live Lounge” the Boathouse legacy and legand lives on.