Introduction to Freedom Festival
Hull’s annual Freedom Festival is now in progress, with more than 115 hours of free entertainment in the city center this weekend. The family-friendly program, together with a community occupation, includes circus, theater, art, film, and a choreographed procession of dance artists – on Saturday and Sunday, 30-31.
What is Freedom Festival?
It is a unique celebration of Hull and its people, freedom, art in public spaces, and creative expression. The festival was founded in 2007 to recognize Hull’s historical connections to the anti-slavery activist William Wilberforce. The free events of the festival are a joyful celebration of freedom, culture, connection, and Hull’s heritage and range from large-scale appearances and the immersive theater on Queen Victoria Square to music and movement in Princes Dock Street and Humber Street.
What Happens at the Festival?
With a line-up of hundreds, 76 experiences, and 29 artists, including two full days of free events and experiences, there is a lot to discover. The highlights include moving parade shows that the people in the middle of the Hull Center level marches with a community line-up together with dance artists in Parade: The Giant Wheel; And a musical Busking path with Beats Bus – Busk stop. The ticket shows include Freedom Films Screenings and a circus performance in the Hull Truck Theater. The Copenhagen Collective show with 17 acrobats. Local talent is also presented, including Kobby Taylor’s Torch, a tribute to the gig theater to his grandfather – influential Ghanaian Afrobeat musician EBE Taylor.
Events and Performances
The festival features a wide range of events and performances, including:
- Time for the loop, a free public performance of Duo Kaos, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Queen Victoria Square
- Auin Dance Theater, a choreographed procession in which dance artists and a community line-up between the Queen Victoria Square and the Cenotaph will march
- In the light, pioneers of the black British ballet
- Microworld
- Parade – the huge bike
- Posse
- Time to grind
- Taro
- Kakapo and son
- The Beats Bus – Busk stop, which takes place across all zones
Festival Zones
The Freedom Festival is organized in three city center areas:
- Zone 1: In the heart of the city center, you can discover high-energy services, parades, and many surprises.
- Zone 2: Free shows and art in Hull’s old town contain a line period; Pentagon; Breathe; Anchored in the air; Pirate-Taxi; Electrical feeling; The Beats Bus – Busk stop; Throw away; Family catwalk extravagance; Play chess festival; Hercas Grand Master Showdown; And ichi. Find the campaign at: Beverley Gate; Prince Quay; Whitefriargate; Trinity square; Trinity Market and Zebedes Hof.
- Zone 3: Covers the fruit market and the areas of Marina. Here you will find film, floating theater, family-friendly experiences, and flash mob appearances like Devour. The strange journey from MR Tonet; Sliding agency; Tamar & Jo and Apus Productions – the animals.
Accessibility and Travel
- Accessibility: Download audio and large printed versions of the festival program as well as details of accessible services.
- Getting to the Festival: You can find information about parking, bus and train services, and accommodations.
- Plan Your Weekend: Download the Freedom Festival 2025 brochure, City Center Festival Map, and Accessibility information, including an accessible brochure.
Note: All information about the festival, including the program, accessibility, and travel, can be found on the festival’s website. Tickets for limited-capacity events are also available on the website.
