2nd December 2021
Project Manager applications close on 8 December
Freedom Festival is looking for a Project Manager to lead on key projects within Freedom Festival Arts Trust’s year-round programme.
3rd November 2021
The Hull Vigil reaches the 6 month mark
Today ( Wednesday 3 November,) at sunset The Hull Vigil reaches the half-way point. Starting on 3 May 2021 and finishing on 3 May 2022, every day at sunrise and sunset a vigil keeps watch over Hull from a bespoke structure located on top of the Hull College building.
19th October 2021
For Jack Whileblood
It was with huge sadness that we heard of the passing of Jack Whileblood, a core member of Freedom Festival’s volunteer workforce and a huge character.
31st July 2021
Freedom Festival announces full 2021 programme
Today we are thrilled to bring you our full programme which runs from Friday 20 August to Sunday 5 September.
17th June 2021
Freedom Festival returns to Hull from 20 August - 5 September 2021
Today we are delighted to confirm our dates for 2021 and announce the first wave of events.
2nd May 2021
Keeping watch over the city: 365-day Vigil begins in Hull
At 7.30pm tomorrow a 365-day Vigil will begin in Hull as the sun sets and a Vigil keeps a silent watch over the city from inside a glass and wooden shelter located on the rooftop of Hull College.
21st April 2021
The Hull Vigil. Built by the city for the city
Hull Esteem and its partners have joined forces with Freedom Festival to bring The Hull Vigil to life through generous donations of time, expertise and resources.
19th April 2021
Freedom and Ron Dearing unite again in exciting partnership
This year, Ron Dearing UTC students are playing their biggest part yet in Freedom Festival.
3rd March 2021
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
Freedom Festival and Hull Truck Theatre bring internationally renowned play White Rabbit, Red Rabbit to Hull as part of a global theatre experience
2nd March 2021
Hull you're amazing!
At 10am on 1 March 2021, we opened the bookings for The Hull Vigil and in seven hours and seven minutes all of the 730 places had been reserved.
25th February 2021
The city that keeps watch over itself.
Will you be taking part in The Hull Vigil? Bookings go live on Monday 1 March at 10am.
18th February 2021
Communication Manager Job Pack
Looking for your next communication's role? We're looking for an outstanding Communication Manager to join our team, is that you?
17th February 2021
Where there is light
Over the past year it’s sometimes been hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, which is why Freedom Festival, Hull’s award-winning arts festival, has been working with Welcome to English and people seeking refuge in Hull as part of a national project called Where There is Light.
10th February 2021
Freedom Festival 2021
Freedom Festival will be back in 2021. It is too early to say when this will be possible but we expect to deliver a festival of great art and performance later this year.
13th January 2021
The Hull Vigil
Since we announced The Hull Vigil, the UK has entered a third lockdown.
6th January 2021
Job Vacancy: Got an awesome track record in communications?
Are you an outstanding communicator with an awesome track record? If so we want to hear from you.
9th December 2020
Performances to bring hope and optimism in 2021
Proving we're more than a weekend, in 2021 we're presenting two internationally renowned performances prior to our annual September festival, with an uplifting spring programme starting in March.
26th November 2020
Digital Democracies: Call Out for Immersive Audio Artworks
Pioneering public art project invites applications for work that respond to the theme of Connections.
24th November 2020
Freedom Festival 2020: How we brought the festival to your home
Over four days in September, an audience of 465,000* people across the world experienced Hull’s award-winning international Freedom Festival from afar.
15th October 2020
BOUND Show streams on World Anti Slavery Day
Sunday 18 October marks World Anti Slavery Day. A time to remember the victims.
24th September 2020
Catch iconic performances again!
Tune into BBC Sounds to listen again to the BBC Introducing performances as part of Freedom Festival 2020.
10th September 2020
Back to School Dance
They're so good, we've left our Freedom DJ sets live for you to enjoy a back to school boogie.
7th September 2020
Portrait brings audience together as thousands enjoy virtual festival
This weekend, thousands of audience members across the world experienced Freedom Festival from afar.
6th September 2020
Time for a lullaby
Freedom Festival brings an element of surprise and wonder direct to people’s homes
4th September 2020
Young designers celebrate their Freedom Champions
Young people from across the UK have worked with Hull design business Creative Briefs to celebrate ‘Freedom Champions’ ahead of this weekend’s Freedom Festival.
1st September 2020
Submit your selfie for Hull's portrait without borders
It's time to submit your selfie to be drawn by wall-drawing robots!
1st September 2020
Back to Freedom!
This weekend, grab a front row seat to Freedom Festival from anywhere in the world.
27th August 2020
Y20 Call Out
What would you say if your ideas could change the world?
18th August 2020
Freedom to go digital all year round!
Did you hear that we've got an app? Smart tech specialist Sauce has helped us create an interactive, year-round digital experience. Available now on Apple and Andriod.
12th August 2020
UK art festivals join to create Digital Democracies
In a time of unprecedented reliance on digital technology to connect people, we're proud to be part of a pioneering two-year national public art project called Digital Democracies.
5th August 2020
Something to Breathe
Three generations of Hiroshima women reflect on the 75th Anniversary. Part of the #SomethingToBreathe project by Hull documentary photographer Lee Karen Stow.
4th August 2020
Freedom Festival at Home 2020
Get ready for intimate moments when artists and audiences can meet. Come explore the programme for Freedom Festival at Home 2020.
31st July 2020
Double White Rose Finalist
This year we've been shortlisted as a finalist in two categories in the White Rose Welcome to Yorkshire Awards.
10th July 2020
Want to be part of The Reset Lab?
Aged 11 - 16 and passionate about making change in the world, come be part of The Reset Lab. We're joining forces with our friends at Hull Libraries and The Big Malarkey Festival for our Freedom Festival from Home celebrations.
11th June 2020
Freedom's European journey continues into even more uncommon places
Bringing together 19 partners and 12 associate partners from 21 countries across Europe and beyond, Freedom Festival is continuing its European journey as a member of the IN SITU network.
18th May 2020
Freedom at Home - Festival goes digital for 2020
Freedom Festival will not take place outdoors in September as planned, but with an exciting, wide-ranging broadcast and online programme which can be enjoyed at home.
14th May 2020
From Hull to New York
From an attic in West Hull to an apartment in New York, this week Mikey Martins, took part in a panel discussion with CircusTalk - the leading online professional network and resource for the international circus arts.
21st April 2020
Freedom at Home
Come check our culture curriculum as we help to keep you creative and inspired while at home.
20th April 2020
Freedom Festival is still here!
Freedom Festival is still here and the team are continuing to work extremely hard as we prepare to deliver high quality, entertaining and exceptional artistic activity when we are able to do so.
30th March 2020
Online course now open!
Looking to keep busy while learning new skills? FA-AIR have reopened their online course 'Create in Public Space'. The first online course dedicated to creation in public space.
25th March 2020
Fair Winds at Home
As we face these unusual times, spend an hour of your day in a safe environment with nothing but your imagination: let us take your mind on a journey from the safety of your armchair...
17th March 2020
Update from Freedom
Freedom Festival is built on the pioneering spirit of William Wilberforce and in these unprecedented times of uncertainty around Coronavirus we hope the festival will still be able to go ahead as planned.
11th March 2020
UPDATED INFO Participation Opportunity at Freedom Festival 2020!
Sadly, as you may already have guessed, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this meeting in line with governmental advice, in order to protect the health and welfare of our fantastic participants, volunteers, artists and team.
31st January 2020
REYTA Shortlisting
We've been shortlisted in the annual Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Award in the 'Remarkable Tourism Event' category
26th November 2019
Silver Award for Arts and Culture!
What a great night we had celebrating the city of Hull at the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards where we scooped the Silver Award for Arts and Culture.
12th November 2019
Appointment of new Executive Director
We're delighted to announce the appointment of Anthony Baker as our new Executive Director and Joint CEO
8th November 2019
Young voices of Freedom
We're continuing to give a voice to the city's young people with new projects for 2020!
8th November 2019
Visits and residencies as we embark on new projects for 2020
An exciting time for Freedom Festival Arts Trust - find out what we've been up to.
2nd September 2019
Thank you for joining us for Freedom Festival 2019
Fuelled by hope and humanity, Hull city centre came alive over five days and nights
29th August 2019
Hull College and Cranswick Plc team up to feed the festival
Hull College Catering Students Team up with Cranswick Plc to feed artists and audiences at Freedom Festival!
28th August 2019
The stage is set!
The stage is set - it’s time for Freedom Festival 2019 to take over Hull city centre with a powerhouse programme
27th August 2019
Are you ready for Freedom Festival 2019?
Here's our pick of this year's unmissable shows.
27th August 2019
Freedom Festival hosts professional programme
In partnership with the British Council, Hull Truck Theatre and in collaboration with XTRAX we're proud to host a four day programme for industry professionals.
26th August 2019
Young people take centre stage at Freedom
Young people will take centre stage at this year’s Freedom Festival.
23rd August 2019
Meet our Accelerate Interns
Meet the University of Hull students who are helping to deliver Freedom Festival.
21st August 2019
Loving in Absence Workshops
As part of our Ages of Isolation project, we're working with CHCP Foundation to deliver two creative workshops for older people at the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre.
20th August 2019
Celebrating 40 years of Hull's relationship with Freetown
This year's Freedom Festival celebrates the 40th anniversary of the civic relationship between Freetown in Sierra
19th August 2019
What does it mean to be free?
Local law firm Rollits is once again proud to be supporting Freedom Festival, by bringing ON EDGE by Justice in Motion to the city.
16th August 2019
Jenny Howard-Coombes to step down as Executive Director after this year's festival
After seven years she is taking up a new role at the National Trust for Scotland.
15th August 2019
Ages of Isolation
Exploring issues of modern day loneliness through art
14th August 2019
Hull International Carnival Workshops
The Hull International Carnival Centre is now open, come take part in workshops, and learn new skills from drumming, costume making to dance.
9th August 2019
Maritime project supports new commission
Tickets are now available to book for this exciting and emotional audio walking experience along the River Hull.
8th August 2019
Students train as reporters to tell Freedom Festival story
Students from Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) are preparing to tell the story of Freedom Festival.
5th August 2019
Rollits proud to be a friend of Freedom Festival
"We have always seen our business as being part of and fully committed to the community in which we work"
22nd July 2019
Festival Programmes hot off the press
An illustration by local artist Emily Welham has been commissioned by Freedom Festival Arts Trust for this year's programme.
17th July 2019
Listen to the sound of Hull
If you missed the live performance in Hull and London, listen to AMBHAS on the BBC iplayer.
15th July 2019
Accolade for Freedom Chair
Chair of Freedom Festival Arts Trust is made an Honorary Burgess by Hull City Council
4th July 2019
Young musicians from Hull to perform in London this weekend
This weekend, brand new music about Hull will be heard across the River Thames.
25th June 2019
Exploring the human quest for home
Young people will take centre stage at this year’s Freedom Festival as they participate in Postcards from the Edge.
20th June 2019
We're a finalist in the White Rose Awards!
Freedom Festival is proud to be a finalist in the arts and culture category.
19th June 2019
Freedom Festival Needs You!
We are looking for volunteers to participate in Bivouac – an extraordinary performance taking place on the streets of Hull on Freedom Friday!
11th June 2019
Everyone Back to Ours for Freedom Festival
Roll up and step into the circus ring, as Freedom Festival Arts Trust teams up with Back to Ours to bring a world-class circus programme to Hull.
10th June 2019
Why RSM is proud to support Freedom Festival
"A festival for good, that’s powered by talented people."
6th June 2019
Amplifying the voice of young people in exciting new partnership
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) for 2019 and 2020.
3rd June 2019
A Celebration of Humanity, Powered by People
HULL is no stranger to arts and culture and this summer, the annual Freedom Festival will use the city as its stage once again, in a way it has never done before.
21st May 2019
Rehearsals begin with young musicians
Working with J-Night, rehearsals have begun at Hull Music Hub as 28 young musicians are given the opportunity to play alongside professional players.
7th May 2019
"Roll up at the double for Festival Fun" Yorkshire Post
Roll up at the double for festival fun reports Alex Wood from the Yorkshire Post.
7th May 2019
Get ready for five days of Freedom!
Freedom Festival, an established fixture on the national and international cultural calendar, returns for its 12th year in 2019 with an extended and audacious arts programme spanning five days.
12th April 2019
Become a 2019 Freedom Maker!
Want to help make Freedom Festival 2019 unforgettable? We're on the look out for Volunteers for this year's festival.
11th April 2019
Vote for Hull Sound Circles to win National Lottery Award
Remember The Clash of Drums (Danbor Talka) from Freedom Festival 2016? Hull Sound Circles helped support this project. You can help them win £50,000 to develop their work in Hull.
2nd April 2019
Accelerating ahead
Following its success last year, we’re once again looking to recruit three students from the University of Hull to take part in paid internships - from Festival Administration, Artist Liaison to Production - to help deliver Freedom Festival 2019.
1st April 2019
Congregation: Research and Development
Through our work with Without Walls, we're proud to be supporting the research and development phase of Congregation a project by Ray Lee with software and hardware development by Steve Symons, for presentation at this year's Freedom Festival.
29th March 2019
Become a Trustee of Freedom!
Are you passionate about the arts? Do you share our vision and understand the role that cultural events and creative experiences play in contributing towards social, cultural and economic regeneration? We are looking to appoint new members to our Board, to ensure the continued success of Freedom Festival and to assist us in developing a sustainable year-round programme of work which reflects the Trust’s core aims, values and vision. The deadline to put in an expression of interest is midday on 8 April.
25th February 2019
18 new outdoor shows commissioned as part of Without Walls partnership
We’re proud to be a commissioning partner of Without Walls, a network of festivals that brings fantastic outdoor arts to audiences across the UK.
21st January 2019
New music commissioned as part of PRS Foundation’s New Music Biennial 2019
This July, brand new music about Hull will be heard across the Humber as PRS Foundation’s New Music Biennial returns to the city and London’s Southbank Centre with a festival celebrating the breadth and talent of new music in the UK.
