PROGRAMME
FREEDOM FESTIVAL.
Running annually since 2007, Freedom Festival is the centrepiece of our yearly programming. Inviting creativity from all over the world, the festival spans Hull City Centre, offering something for everyone.
Freedom Festival 2026 will be taking place this year Thursday 3rd - Sunday 6th September. More information and full programme to be announced soon!
Take a look at last year's highlight video below,
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PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Become a Freedom Citizen!
Do you live or work in our city? Are you passionate about Freedom Festival Arts Trust and its future?
We’re looking for enthusiastic, curious and committed people to join our Citizens Programme – a new initiative giving local people a voice at the heart of the organisation.
As a Citizen, you’ll:
Help shape the future of Freedom Festival Arts Trust
Share your ideas, experiences and perspectives
Champion the organisation in your community
Be part of something exciting, creative and collaborative
Whether you’re a lifelong festival-goer, a first-time attendee, or someone who simply cares about the cultural life of our city, we’d love to hear from you.
What will it involve?
We want being a Freedom Citizen to be both rewarding and great fun! You’ll join our friendly get-togethers, take part in inspiring learning sessions, and head off on exciting field trips— both close to home and across the country.
How much time will I need to give?
We want to make this as accessible for local people as possible. There will be a get together every three months and four field trips across the year. You are welcome to access as many of our free learning sessions as you like.
What’s in it for me?
The programme is completely free — every field trip, every learning session, all covered! Plus, we’ll make sure there’s always cake along the way.
It’s a fantastic chance to grow your skills, meet inspiring people, and play a part in helping Freedom Festival Arts Trust to flourish.
Keep an eye on our news page and social media channels for new opportunities.
FREEDOM ALL YEAR.
Freedom Festival Arts Trust’s Freedom Year-Round Engagement Programme offers opportunities for communities across Hull and the wider region to take part in arts and culture.
Through initiatives such as Freedom Citizens, Freedom On the Road: Schools, Community Cinema, and Freedom on Tour, the programme focuses on participation, learning and access. Communities across Hull help shape the organisation’s future through the Freedom Citizens network, while school partnerships brings high-quality performance directly into playgrounds. Community cinema events empowered neighbourhood audiences to co-create their own film screenings in local venues, strengthening local engagement.
The new international Freedom on Tour consortium delivers performances by international companies across five towns, reaching around 4,500 people and bringing world-class outdoor arts to public spaces across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Together, these initiatives supported skills development, creative participation and cultural access, ensuring that Freedom Festival’s impact extends far beyond the annual festival and into communities year-round.
Scroll through the gallery below to see some of the highlights of Freedom on Tour 2025.
