Bridlington Streets Become Stages as Freedom Festival On Tour Returns for 2026

Hull’s Freedom Festival is hitting the road again this summer, bringing a vibrant programme of outdoor arts directly into communities across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber, while this year’s festival explores the timely and thought-provoking theme of Peace.

As one of the most distinctive arts festivals in the north of England, Freedom Festival is preparing a bold programme that invites audiences to experience what peace can look and feel like today.

Known for bringing Hull City Centre  to life with striking installations, large-scale street theatre and thought-provoking performance, Freedom Festival invites local audiences to gather, reflect and connect through unique entertainment, creativity and shared humanity.

Returning for its fourth year, Freedom On Tour will visit Grimsby, Goole, Tadcaster and Bridlington in the lead-up to the main festival weekend, offering completely free performances in public spaces and venues. Audiences can expect a dynamic mix of circus, dance and street theatre from internationally acclaimed artists featured in the 2026 Freedom Festival programme.

Taking place from Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September, the tour is part of Freedom Festival Arts Trust’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to high-quality cultural experiences and building creative opportunities beyond Hull.

Phil Hargreaves, Festival Director, said: “Freedom On Tour is about making sure more people can experience the energy and creativity of the festival, right on their doorstep. By working in partnership with organisations across the region, we’re able to bring world-class outdoor work into everyday spaces, creating shared moments of joy, surprise and connection ahead of the main festival weekend.”

Working alongside Freedom Festival Arts Trust to bring Freedom On Tour to Bridlington, Nicola Dixon, Arts Development Officer at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Freedom On Tour back to Bridlington for the third year! Last year’s event was a fantastic success, giving people across this part of East Yorkshire the chance to enjoy the vibrant spirit of the Freedom Festival right on their doorstep. Be sure to join us at Bridlington Spa on Friday 4 August for a free day of spectacular shows filled with fun, joy, and celebration.”

Audiences across the four locations will experience a selection of standout performances, including the gravity-defying Spinsane by Racehorse Company, the playful and imaginative Lilliput by Tombs Creatius, and the striking physicality of Otempodiz by ERTZA.

Each location will feature a slightly different line-up, encouraging audiences to explore multiple destinations.

Freedom On Tour 2026 dates and locations:

Grimsby – People’s Park (DN32 0LL)
Monday 31 August, 11am – 5pm (timings subject to change)
Featuring: Senescence, The World Wanderer, Otempodiz, Lilliput

Goole – West Park (DN14 6XA)
Tuesday 1 September, 11am – 5pm (timings subject to change)
Featuring: Spinsane, Senescence, The World Wanderer, Otempodiz, Lilliput

Tadcaster – The Barn (LS24 9HA)
Thursday 3 September, 11am – 5pm (timings subject to change)
Featuring: RO-TES–រទេះ, Senescence, Acrobot, Otempodiz, Lilliput

Bridlington – The Spa (YO15 3JH)
Friday 4 September, 11am – 5pm (timings subject to change)
Featuring: Spinsane, Acrobot, The World Wanderer, Beyond, Lilliput

Freedom Festival 2026 will then take place in Hull from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September, featuring over 100 experiences from 32 companies across 9 countries.

Full programme details for both Freedom On Tour and the main festival are available at freedomfestival.online.

Author: tracey