"A festival for good, that’s powered by talented people."

Our sponsor RSM talk about why they're proud to once again be supporting Freedom Festival.  

"Now in its 12th year the award-winning Freedom Festival in Hull has become an established fixture on the cultural calendar and a spectacular the city is quite rightly proud of. Having supported the event for several years RSM is delighted to again partner the city-wide celebration which gives artists the opportunity to explore the themes of democracy, identity, human rights and freedom.

"Each year the event goes from strength to strength; and last year the festival attracted an audience of over 132,000 visitors to the city and resulted in a £4.3m boost to the city’s economy. Hull has always celebrated its association with William Wilberforce and the abolitionist movement, which is one of the main themes for the festival along with empowerment, activism and the potential of community.

"Like Freedom Festival, RSM is committed to creating a culture where these values underpin how we support our staff and clients. Whether its establishing BAME and LGBT groups to promote and celebrate diversity in the firm or opening up the accountancy profession to those from a more diverse background, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture.

"The Freedom Festival not only promotes freedom, equality and diversity but it celebrates local and international talent – it’s a festival for good, that’s powered by talented people. As a prominent business in Hull with 35 offices in the UK and part of a global firm with 750 offices based in 116 countries worldwide, RSM is proud to support events such as the Freedom Festival which aligns with our corporate values."

Executive Director and Joint CEO of Freedom Festival Arts Trust, Jenny Howard-Coombes, said: “We’re really proud of the work we do and the quality of the festival we deliver year on year and this year is no exception. We’re a small team and recognise that none of this would be possible without the unwavering commitment of the Trust but also those who support us.

“We’re really thankful to have such great organisations as our sponsors and partners, and both our returning and new audiences for being part of this exciting journey and for helping to make this extraordinary celebration of art, community and humanity in our city possible.”