Hull’s Freedom Festival takes arts on tour across Yorkshire and beyond

The Freedom Festival, one of the most distinctive arts events in the north of England, is set to bring its vibrant programme of outdoor arts directly to communities across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and the Humber this summer.

Exploring the theme of peace, the festival invites audiences to reflect on what peace can look and feel like today.

Known for its striking installations, large-scale street theatre, and thought-provoking performances, Freedom Festival aims to engage locals through unique entertainment and shared humanity.

Freedom On Tour is making its fourth return and includes visits to Grimsby, Goole, Tadcaster, and Bridlington from Monday, 31st August to Friday, 4th September.

These free performances in public spaces and venues offer a dynamic mix of circus, dance, and street theatre, featuring internationally acclaimed acts from the 2026 festival programme.

Phil Hargreaves, Festival Director, expressed the intent behind Freedom On Tour.

“Freedom On Tour is about making sure more people can experience the energy and creativity of the festival, right on their doorstep," Phil said.

Charlotte Bowen, CEO and Creative Director at The Culture House in Grimsby, is enthusiastic about the partnership.

"We’re delighted to be partnering with Freedom Festival to once again host quality, international touring work in Grimsby," Charlotte said.

Each location on the tour will present a different lineup, encouraging audiences to explore multiple destinations.

Events such as the gravity-defying Spinsane by Racehorse Company and the imaginative Lilliput by Tombs Creatius promise to captivate attendees.

The Freedom Festival 2026 in Hull will run from Thursday, 3rd to Sunday, 6th September, showcasing over 100 experiences from 32 companies across nine countries.

For full programme details of Freedom On Tour and the main festival, visit their website