Sponsors

Freedom Festival Arts Trust is an independent charitable organisation; the development and increasing success of the festival is made possible by a number of key supporters. Their investment, advice and confidence in Freedom ensures that the festival continues to grow into a world-class arts event. We thank them all for their contribution and support.

Keepmoat Group

“Keepmoat have been proud supporters of Freedom Festival since 2013 and we have, with great pride, watched the festival grow into one of the UK’s finest arts festivals. In particular the scale and quality of the 2016 festival made clear that this is a festival which is local at heart but international in ambition.

Freedom Festival Arts Trust, through the festival and growing year round programme have had a transformational effect upon the city, celebrating the people and the rich history of Hull. Their distinctive voice and commitment to supporting positive change reflects our own values and resonates throughout their work.

Our experience of working with the festival team has been incredibly positive. Their approach is one of true collaboration. This is reflected in their ability and commitment to work with us to develop a sponsor programme which truly reflects our needs whilst also ensuring the integrity of their work.”

David Carmichael

Group Land & Partnerships Director

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ABP

Created in 1778, the Port of Hull, opened the city to the world, leading Hull to thrive as ships enabled the successful trade of commodities such as wool and coal around the world.

Today, the port is owned and operated by Associated British Ports (ABP) and plays a leading role in the country’s freedom to trade and subsequently, our own freedom to consume. Importing and exporting things we all need and want in our daily lives, such as electricity, food, drink, timber and paper, the port contributes £538 million to the local economy each year.

ABP’s dedicated 1,200-strong team make this happen, supporting the various operations across the 3,000 acre site.

Our sponsorship, support and involvement in Freedom Festival is a natural connection for us as we continue to work hard and give something back to our communities.

We’re pleased to be able to support the Trust in its impactful year-long programme and the fantastic event that is the Freedom Festival.

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RSM

“The Freedom Festival is not just a celebration of Hull, it also provides the city with the platform to remember probably its most famous son, William Wilberforce. It captures the independent spirit of the city, and our freedoms, through artistic and cultural expression, whilst showcasing Hull’s unique personality to the world. This not only adds cultural value but it builds aspirations; encourages investment; and supports the social and economic regeneration of the city.

From a thriving cultural scene and Hull 2017, to successful, innovative, forward thinking businesses, Hull has a lot to celebrate; and we are proud to sponsor such a pivotal event for the city.”

Andy Capes

Office Managing Partner (Hull)

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William Jackson Food Group

William Jackson established our business in Hull in 1851. Today we’re a sixth generation family business and our Chairman Nicholas Oughtred is William Jackson’s Great Great Grandson. We employ around 2,000 people nationwide and our businesses included Hull-based Aunt Bessie’s and Jackson’s Bakery. We also own organic grocery business Abel & Cole, The Food Doctor and MyFresh – not forgetting The Ferguson Fawsitt Arms in Walkington.

We say a community should be a better place for having one of our businesses in it – and we’re proud to be supporting the Freedom Festival as it’s a great event and a brilliant example of the people of Hull working together for the good of our city.

We’re all about food, we love bringing people together to enjoy good food and so to see the event build on the success of last year’s feast is really exciting.

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Coletta and Tyson

Coletta & Tyson Nurseries and Garden Centre is a local family business. Growing plants on its nurseries in East Yorkshire it supplies national retailers as well as its own garden centre in Woodmansey.

The Coletta family immigrated to Hull in the early 1900’s from Italy. John Coletta was awarded the George Medal for his part in saving the Wilberforce House Museum from burning down during a heavy World War 2 air strike.

The Tyson family hail from East Hull. Brian Tyson played for Hull Kingston Rovers and Great Britain. Brian’s sons, John and Paul worked with their grandfather and father and are the current custodians of the business.

Freedom festival uses the arts to bring people and communities together in unique and exciting ways to promote messages of freedom, fairness and equality for all – values that Coletta & Tyson relate to and are proud to support.

Paul Tyson, Director

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Rollits LLP

Rollits, is a leading local law firm with roots in Hull that date back to 1841 when our founder John Rollit became a solicitor and opened his law practice in Bowlalley Lane. Over the last 175 years ago, we have occupied various premises within a stone’s throw of each other in Hull’s old town as the firm has continued to grow, with our headquarters now at Citadel House, 58 High Street.

We are extremely proud of our roots and heritage and see our business as being part of and fully committed to the community in which we work. Our partnership with The Freedom Festival allows us to play a small part in helping the organisation deliver the high calibre of exciting and culturally relevant performances for which they have become nationally renowned.

In particular, our support of the “Invisible People” exhibition which explores modern day slavery gives us the opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by us all in the fight to eradicate modern day slavery, exploitation and human trafficking.

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Keepmoat Group

ABP

RSM

William Jackson Food Group

Coletta and Tyson

Rollits LLP

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