Freedom Festival 2023: Programme announced for region’s leading international arts festival
‘SPECTACULAR WITH A POWERFUL STORY TO TELL’: UNITY by Gorilla Circus, the main act over two nights at this year’s Freedom Festival
By Simon Bristow
An “immersive aerial spectacular” with a political message will be the headline act at this year’s Freedom Festival, when UNITY by Gorilla Circus is performed over two nights in Albion Street car park.
The piece combines acrobatic performances, music and poetry “with a political message highlighting the underserved in society”, organisers said as they announced the full programme for the festival today.
The international arts festival, now in its 16th year, will feature mix of genres and styles, from music to contemporary circus to exhibitions and interactive installations – with the promise of “many jaw-dropping shows”. Most will be in public spaces and free to attend.
The five-day programme, which is available on the festival website here, begins on August 30 and takes place on streets, in theatres, galleries and many places in between across Hull city centre.
HIPPOS: A unique dance show from Spain, by Zum-Zum Teatre
A selection of the acts will be enjoying their UK premiere at this year’s festival.
Freedom Festival Arts Trust, which runs the event, said: “The varied line-up this year is a mix of genres and styles, with something for everyone, from music to contemporary circus to a range of exhibitions and interactive installations.
“The festival has many jaw-dropping shows with most being out in public spaces and free to attend. Thrill seekers will enjoy shows such as Unity, EXIT, Encore Un Fois, We Agree to Disagree, and Primus – all of these are made up of some of the best acrobatic, dance, and contemporary circus performers touring the world today. Audiences will be left astounded and wanting more.
‘EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD’: Mikey Martins, CEO and artistic director of Freedom Festival Arts Trust
“Parents with children may enjoy comedy and theatre-style shows such as Funny Business, HIPPOS, and Fast Food Megaverse.”
Print guides to the festival will be distributed from August 1, containing recommendations based on taste and interest to allow audiences to start planning their weekend.
The festival's key sites are concentrated around Queen Victoria Square, Trinity Market and with with a central hub around Zebedee’s Yard and Princes Dock Street. There will also be additional events taking place on Stage at the Dock in the Fruit Market Area and shows at Hull Truck Theatre.
The team says Zebedee’s Yard and Princes Dock Street will be the “heart of the festival”, where activity will start from the Friday and carry through to the Sunday. Audiences can find two stages in Zebedee’s Yard itself, alongside refreshments and picnic areas.
‘A VERY HIGH-OCTANE CIRCUS SHOW’: Primus, by Belgium-based circus company 15Feet6, one of a number of acts handed its UK premiere at this year’s Freedom Festival
There will be a music stage supported by local music label Warren Records, featuring some of the best up and coming music talent in the city, and a large performance pitch, both of which will alternate between music and performance throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Stalls and performance pitches will line up along Princes Dock Street, with parades, street bands and walkabouts creating a family-friendly local yet international street party “as only Freedom Festival can”.
UNITY by Gorilla Circus will take place on both Friday and Saturday evenings.
‘AN EXTRAORDINARY DUET BETWEEN A HIGH-WIRE WALKER AND A MULTI-TALENTED MUSICIAN’: Résiste, by French circus company Les Filles Du Renard Pâle
Mikey Martins, CEO and artistic director at Freedom Festival, said: “We’ve put together a varied programme this year and we have focused the festival into five days culminating in a big finale weekend with many of the performances to see within one key area.
“Alongside the brilliant weekend many visitors have come to expect, we have also programmed some incredible indoor shows, exhibitions and installations many of which will be open for the full five days of the festival and more.
“We love seeing the city come alive every year for the festival programme and for our audiences to meet these exceptional artists from all over the world, and we welcome everyone to explore our website in anticipation of what is to come!”
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The festival website will contain the most up-to-date resources and information, which audiences can check to see if the shows they are planning to see require a ticket due to limited capacity or venue requirements.
The festival app is set to launch on August 27, which will allow audiences to download the full guide to their phone and use the My Festival feature to plan their visit, as well as reserve tickets and explore the sites.
Freedom Festival began in 2007 to mark the 200th anniversary of the first anti-slavery act in parliament. Inspired by the reformist legacy of Hull’s William Wilberforce and the wider abolitionist movement, Freedom Festival Arts Trust builds local, national and international alliances to create cultural experiences with something to say about universal values and “the future we want to make together”.
Freedom Festival takes place between August 30 and September 3.
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