Hull’s Guildhall Time Ball to return following repairs

To allow the Time Ball’s reinstallation to be carried out safely, a road closure will be in place Hull’s Guildhall Time Ball will return to the city’s skyline on August 1. It follows a programme of essential repairs to restore the notable Hull heritage feature to working order. Council leader Cllr Mike Ross made the announcement of the Time Ball’s return at July’s full council. The local authority has now issued further information. First installed in 1915, Hull’s 50kg Time Ball is the only one of its kind in the UK and as such, has a completely bespoke design. By rising between 12:57 and 13:00 each day, the Time Ball would help mariners set their chronometers accurately. It was out of action for a century and then underwent a £400,000 refurbishment backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and council in 2023. But it stopped working again and was taken down in July 2025 to be fixed. Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here . Smith of Derby has worked to repair the mechanism and been working with overseas manufacturers in their efforts to restore the ball. It is also covering the cost of the works and components needed. The Time Ball will be reinstated to The Guildhall tower using a 48-tonne crane and hoist on Saturday, August 1. Cllr Hester Bridges (Independent – Southcoates) raised the Time Ball’s continued absence at full council, asking for an update “on the work to fix the Time Ball so that Hull …
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