Hull's Beats Bus: A Remarkable Journey of Resilience and Positive Impact

In a heartening turn of events, Hull’s iconic Beats Bus has been celebrated for its inspiring work in the community, making it onto the Big Issue's prestigious list of 100 “Changemakers” this year. This grassroots initiative employs the power of hip-hop to combat poverty and safeguard young individuals from the dangers posed by county lines gangs.

Turning Adversity into Opportunity

The struggles faced by the Beats Bus came to a head in 2024 when the loss of their bus left the team feeling devastated. However, this setback led to a remarkable outpouring of community support through crowdfunding, which enabled the group to quickly return to service with a new bus. Steve Arnott, the founder of Beats Bus, reflected on this experience, stating, “We were truly devastated... but we see this as a chance to re-define and re-imagine a new vehicle.” This determination highlights the group’s commitment to uplifting the lives of young people in Hull.

Support from Business Leaders

As part of being recognized as a Changemaker, the Beats Bus will benefit from invaluable support from Wates, Big Issue’s official partner. This partnership promises to provide essential advice and guidance from experienced business leaders, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Changemakers involved. Russell Blackman, managing director of the Big Issue, emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “Our annual Changemakers list is a celebration of the people doing just that – whether it be rising up to make marginalised voices heard, or to bring change to their communities and society.”

A Hopeful Future

The collaboration with Wates is set to foster a greater impact, allowing the Beats Bus and other Changemakers to expand their reach and efficacy in creating social change. Eoghan O’Lionaird, chief executive of Wates Group, affirmed their commitment to addressing inequality and facilitating opportunities for those most in need. This partnership signifies a collective effort towards building a brighter future for communities.

Big Issue’s Changemakers 2026 Special is now available, presenting a showcase of those who are leading change. As the community rallies behind initiatives like the Beats Bus, it reinforces the notion that resilience and collaboration can drive significant improvements in society.