This year the Freedom on Tour programme will take performances on the road to Cleethorpes, Goole, Tadcaster and Bridlington.
A famous Hull arts and culture festival has announced plans to hit the road, taking its exciting programme of percussion, parkour, dance and circus skills on a special regional tour. The Freedom Festival will once again hold crowds spellbound when its packed programme of world class acrobats, singers, and live entertainers from across the UK and Europe descend upon Hull city centre for four days later this month.
This year marks the 18th year that the festival has been staged, having been initially created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1807 Slave Trade Act, while also honouring the legacy of reformer William Wilberforce. Now its organisers have revealed how the cultural extravaganza will stretch its reach beyond the city with the Freedom On Tour programme, serving up a selection of cultural experiences to communities across North East Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, making sure the whole region can take part in the festival’s unique creative offerings.
The Freedom Festival – backed with public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England – will take performances on the road to Cleethorpes, Goole, Tadcaster and Bridlington. Organisers with the Freedom Festival Arts Trust say the expansion reflects the festival’s commitment to making culture accessible to a broader audience.
Phil Hargreaves, festival director, said “Freedom Festival is especially proud to bring its world-class programme to Cleethorpes, a town known for its lively seaside charm, historic promenade, and thriving community spirit. As a beloved destination for families, locals, and visitors alike, the town’s welcoming atmosphere and rich maritime heritage provide the perfect backdrop for Freedom Festival’s inclusive and energising cultural celebration.
“We believe that culture should be accessible to all. As a child who grew up in a low-income, single-parent family, I know how important it is to have high-quality, accessible culture on your doorstep. This drives me to ensure inspiring performances reach broader communities.
“The Festival has grown into one of Hull’s most treasured annual cultural events, and I am delighted that we get to share that growth and high-quality experience with regional neighbours. Drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year, Freedom Festival captivates with a distinctive blend of circus, theatre, visual art, and socially motivated performances.”
Audiences can look forward to a diverse and exciting range of performances that capture the spirit of the Freedom Festival, which will take place in Hull from August 28 to August 31. Possê, by Sound de Secà, is a lively street show full of percussion and dance, while Time to Loop by Duo Kaos tells a moving story through acrobatics and dance about change, love, and the connections we share.
Taroo, created by Moroccan artist Said Mouhssine, combines parkour, circus skills, and storytelling, and the contemporary circus show Human Flag offers performances that explore traditions and new possibilities. Meanwhile, Electric Feel invites audiences into a fun and musical experience, and ICHI is a one-man band who creates playful performances using handmade instruments and everyday objects.
Charlotte Bowen, director of The Culture House in Grimsby, who worked with the trust to bring the tour to Cleethorpes, added: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Freedom Festival to bring amazing international performances to Cleethorpes. Supported by funding from North East Lincolnshire Council through its Create North East Lincolnshire programme, The Culture House is proud to host these free spectacular shows at Meridian Point Craft Units on August 27 that will no doubt bring fun, joy, and happiness.”
The full regional schedule and locations
Goole, Tuesday August 26
12pm to 2.30pm – Possê, Time to Loop, Taroo and Human Flag.
3pm to 5.30pm– Possê, Time to Loop, Taroo and Human Flag.
West Park, Airmyn Rd, Goole
Cleethorpes, Wednesday August 27
12pm to 2.30pm – Possê, Time to Loop, Electric Feel and ICHI.
3.30pm to 6pm – Possê, Time to Loop, Electric Feel and ICHI.
Meridian Point Craft Units , West Park, Meridian Rd, Cleethorpes
Bridlington Spa, Thursday August 28
12pm to 2.30pm – Possê, Electric Feel, ICHI and Taroo.
3pm to 5.30pm – Possê, Electric Feel, ICHI and Taroo.
Bridlington Spa, S Marine Dr, Bridlington
Tadcaster, Friday August 29
1.30pm to 3.30pm – Time to Loop, Taroo, ICHI and Human Flag.
4pm to 6pm – Time to Loop, Taroo, ICHI and Human Flag.
The Barn, St Joseph’s St, Tadcaster