The brand newBonus Arena has opened its doors to the public for the first time.

The £36m venue played host to its first test event, BBC Introducing on Radio Humberside, where four Hull actsheadlined the stage on its opening night, ahead of thefirst official concert, Van Morrison, next month.

Hull performers La Bête Blooms, Chiedu Oraka, Bud Sugar and The Hubbards all performed during the event, which was broadcast onRadio Humberside, and Hull Live managed to get a sneak peek around the finished venue even before the crowds made their way in.

In anticipation of La Bête Blooms becoming the first act on stage, the floor could be seen lit in various vibrant and colourful shades, showing just a snippet of the venue's lighting capabilities.

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While yellow is the dominant colour from the outside, with the impressive roof, it’s red that takes the lead within. The seating is upholstered in bright red material, while the wings are backed in the same rich colouring.

Around one and a half thousand people went through the doors for the first night, meaning theconcourse bars got their first rigorous testing too.

The bars were stocked full with cold drinks, perfect for a warm summer’s night, and there are plenty of beer taps primed and ready to refresh the audience. There were also a number of TV monitors set up in the concourse, above were the public get served, to keep an eye on the performance while queuing.

Another concourse serving food and drink, close to the main entrance, could be seen bathed in sunshine with staff already in position to welcome the audience.

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Inside the auditorium, there are two floors with a main stage area with seating for just under 3,000 people with special balcony ‘VIP’ seating.

There is also a separate auditorium for smaller events, which can host up to 800, as well as private reception rooms that look out over the newly landscaped grassy area in front of the main entrance.

Speaking to Hull Live ahead of the opening, Paul Savage, head of entertainment, sales and marketing at the arena, said: “We're really excited to finally open the doors and welcome the public into the Bonus Arena.

“Tonight’s event serves as the perfect test for us – with around 1,500 people expected to see the bands we can test all elements of the building, from the staff to the bars and to see how the public reacts once they walk in the doors.”

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