‘Atmospheric’ Old Town audio walk to premiere at Freedom Festival
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: The new audio walk brings the Old Town to life. Picture credit: Tom Arran
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
An immersive audio experience involving a walk around Hull’s Old Town will have its premiere at this year’s Freedom Festival.
Freedom Festival associate artists The Broken Orchestra have crafted an innovative new audio experience titled Fair Winds & Following Seas, which is designed to offer an immersive, spatial audio adventure through the streets of Hull.
This experience features spoken word by the acclaimed writer and poet Vicky Foster and delves deep into the city’s rich maritime heritage. Utilising spatial audio atmospheres and a mix of words and freshly composed music, Fair Winds & Following Seas creates a vivid tapestry that guides listeners through the historical treasures of Hull’s Old Town and beyond.
The project offers festival-goers a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s past, present and future in a compelling, modern format.
Hull Maritime describes Fair Winds & Following Seas as “more than just an experience; it’s a journey through time, celebrating Hull’s seafaring legacy”
The phrase itself, a nautical term wishing good weather and safe travels, encapsulates the spirit of the project, offering listeners a heartfelt send-off as they embark on their exploration of Hull's maritime history.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to present Fair Winds & Following Seas as part of this year’s Freedom Festival. This project not only highlights the artistic talents of The Broken Orchestra but also serves as a bridge connecting our vibrant maritime history with the contemporary cultural landscape.”
Pat Dooner, from The Broken Orchestra, said: “As Hull-based artists we feel incredibly privileged to be able to create a piece of work with such a close connection to our city. We hope that the enjoyment that has been contained within the months of its creation will seep into the experience for the listener.
“This is not a history walk but will make you think about the past, present and future of our city, its strengths, its better days and what is yet to come.”
Vicky Foster, whose evocative words bring the tour to life, said: “Hull’s maritime heritage is a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be told. This project allows us to bring these stories to the forefront in a way that is both engaging and accessible to all.”
The project is a collaboration between Hull Maritime and Freedom Festival Arts Trust and is supported by Arts Council England.
The audio walk is available between Thursday, August 29 and Sunday, September 1.
Audiences can access the audio by downloading the Freedom Festival app or book onto a guided walk for assistance.
This journey is designed for people to access and enjoy in their own time during the festival. Visit www.thebrokenorchestra.com/fairwinds for more information and to download the app and begin your walk.
Anyone needing support in downloading and setting up their device can take part on one of the following guided walks:
Thursday 29 Aug – Sunday 1 Sep 11:00 – 19:00 (self-guided).
Friday 30 Aug 17:30 (guided walk).
Saturday 31 Aug 13:00, 16:00 (guided walks).
Sunday 1 Sep 13:00, 16:00 (guided walks).
Book a place here.