World class acrobats, singers and live performers from across the UK and Europe are limbering up for a huge arts festival in Hull. The annual event – organised by the Freedom Festival Arts Trust – was first staged in Hull in 2007 and it has grown to celebrate the rich tapestry of human experiences through art and culture.
Taking place over four days, the festival aims to showcase a diverse array of activities suitable for all ages, through free and ticketed events. The Freedom Festival was initially created to commemorate the bicentenary of the 1807 Slave Trade Act and honour the legacy of local reformer William Wilberforce. Since then, it has become one of Hull city centre’s most eagerly-anticipated annual cultural events, drawing in tens of thousands of visitors with its eclectic programme of music, theatre, visual art, and socially engaged performances, as well as big name acts including Martha Reeves and The Vandellas and The 1975.
The dates to be marked in diaries for this year’s festival are August 28 to August 31. And under the leadership of a new festival director, the trust behind the cultural extravaganza say they will soon unveil a full, packed programme which will also include indoor performances.
Festival director Phil Hargreaves, who joined the trust last September, has been busy gathering feedback from attendees, artists, sponsors, and partners to boost the festival’s impact and visitor experience. And his preparation for this year’s event has taken him across Europe, visiting innovative shows and performances, as well as striking up connections to cement Hull’s status as a world-class international festival destination.
Phil said this year’s event will divide activity into three zones, allowing visitors to flow smoothly through Hull city centre and get the chance to see as many shows as possible. He added that his vision is deeply rooted in Hull and its rich history of social justice, freedom, and as a festival city, saying: “The team is currently developing a programmatic focus that looks at reclaiming spaces and bringing joy to the streets of Hull and beyond, exploring how art can engage audiences in conversations about pride, joy and cohesion.
Want to stay up to date with all the latest event news that’s happening in and around Hull? Well look no further. Sign up to our Never Dull in Hull newsletter and get all the latest news on gigs, food and days out sent straight to your inbox.
“We will do that through a range of free-to-access performances across the city centre, including parade-style shows incorporating local participants, as well as bringing some new ideas to the festival with a music trail and freedom films.
“We will continue to bring the best work to the people of the region, including a big-impact circus performance taking place at Hull Truck Theatre from Thursday August 28 to Saturday August 31.
“Copenhagen Collective’s breathtaking show includes 17 world-class acrobats who defy the limits of human movement and emotion. We will also celebrate local talent, including Kobby Taylor’s Torch, a tribute to his grandfather, afro-beat Legend Ebo Taylor – bringing his own brand of gig-theatre to life with synth, harp, and remixes of classics.
Is Hull the best place to live in Yorkshire? You can have your say by completing the poll below or by clicking here.
“In a city, country and world that faces multiple challenges, Freedom Festival, alongside other flagship events like Pride in Hull and Humber Street Sesh, plays a vital role in bringing joy and unity back to public spaces. Our focus is to embrace diversity and inclusion, celebrating differences along with a strong sense of local pride and community cohesion.”
As well as Freedom Festival, the trust will also deliver its flagship programme, Freedom on Tour, which will see the festival visit four locations in 2025 and 2026.
Phil added: “We are pleased to have received funding to grow the Freedom on Tour programme, extending to Tadcaster, Bridlington, Goole, and Cleethorpes. These areas will get to experience the great cultural offering that Freedom Festival brings, and we’re delighted to be sharing that with our regional neighbours,” Phil adds.
Full programme announcements will be made in early August, and tickets are on sale for the exciting indoor performances. Further information can be found on the Freedom Festival website.