THEY announced their arrival on the mainstream pop scene with a catchy song and then captured the headlines in 1998 by pouring a bucket of ice water over the head of former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

But although Chumbawamba aren't afraid of drawing attention to themselves – you could say they have a bucket-full of attitude – they'll want to let their music do the talking when they arrive in Hull later this year.

The Leeds-based group will be showing their softer side when they open a new season of folk, roots and acoustic music at Hull Truck Theatre's new £15m home in Ferensway, in October.

The band who penned "Tubthumping" will be the first group to bring its acoustic guitars, accordian, trumpet and keyboards to the stage as part of a new season of music at the venue.

Other artists performing throughout the autumn and winter include the likes of Martin Simpson, John Tams and Barry Coope.

"We always strive to bring the very best artists to Hull Truck Theatre, and to offer a diverse and stimulating programme to attract new audiences," says Hull Truck's artistic director, Gareth Tudor Price.

"Now that we have two auditoria, we obviously have more opportunity to stage an even wider programme, catering for even wider tastes.

"There are a huge number of folk and acoustic music fans in this area – the amazing success of the Beverley Folk Festival shows that – so we hope our new shows will be a welcome addition to their calendars."

Chumbawamba, who will be offering an unplugged repertoire of traditional songs at their gig – a long way from their punk roots – will kick-off the season on Friday, October 2 in a month that will also see Charlie Dore, best known for her chart hit Pilot Of The Airwaves, take the stage.

They will be followed on Sunday, December 6 by acoustic finger-style and slide guitarist Martin Simpson, who performed at Hull Truck's former Spring Street home last year.

Other artists at the venue's 134-seat Studio Theatre will include John Tams and Barry Coope on Sunday, January 24, the winners of the Best Duo at the BBC Folk Awards in 2008.

John is also well-known as Rifleman Daniel Hagman in the Sharpe television series, for which he also provided the theme music.

Meanwhile The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will be playing in the 440-seat Main Theatre on January 10.

The new folk gigs are in addition to the theatre's highly popular J-Nights which feature jazz artists from across the country.