Freedom Festival 2024: Artists & shows revealed
ARE YOU READY?: Sync or Swim by Hull artists Tamar and Jo
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
The city is set to come alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the Freedom Festival 2024, which runs from Wednesday, August 28 to Sunday, September 1.
Organised by the Freedom Festival Arts Trust, this year promises an extraordinary lineup of events and performances that celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience through art and culture.
With over 30 live performances scheduled across the city, the festival offers a diverse array of activities suitable for all ages and interests. The Zebedee’s Yard Music Stage will also feature some of Hull’s freshest talent emerging from Warren Records.
JUSTICE IN MOTION: CODE. Picture credit Isha Photography
Audiences can look forward to a mix of ticketed and free performances, with notable shows including:
Eternity by C!rca at Hull Minster.
Univers at Hull Truck.
Bob Marley for Babies at Hull Truck.
Community-involved performances include Pram People in Trinity Square; CODE in Zebedee’s Yard, a performance exploring themes of county lines; and PAN ~// CATWALK, which delves into clothing and identity.
Local artists Tamar & Jo will present Sync or Swim, while Beats Bus and Bench Invasion invite public interaction. The Wilberforce Institute will host an exhibition called Uncovering Modern Slavery.
Continuing from last year’s success, the festival will also feature the Freedom On Tour event in Bridlington on August 30, providing free cultural entertainment by the seaside.
Jo Hawkes, interim CEO and general manager of Freedom Festival Arts Trust, emphasised the festival’s focus on societal issues, saying: “As ever, Freedom Festival will focus on issues that affect our society. CODE offers a look inside county lines, exploring organised drug and crime gangs.
CLOTHING AND IDENTITY: PAN ~// CATWALK. Picture credit: Jostijn Ligtvoet Fotografie
“Taking the Knee shows solidarity with racially marginalised communities. With Freedom Talks we have partnered with criminologists at the University of Hull to explore whether our work influences perceptions of social issues.”
All outdoor events are free, ensuring that culture remains accessible to as many people as possible. Iconic locations such as Museum Gardens, Princes Dock Street, Queen Victoria Square, Zebedee’s Yard, and Hull Truck will be transformed into lively hubs of creativity, hosting a diverse array of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
More information and ticketing details are available on the Freedom Festival website.