Freedom Festival 2025: A Celebration of Culture and Community in Hull

Every year, Hull comes alive with one of the UK’s most exciting and inclusive arts events: the Freedom Festival. Taking place from 28 - 31 August 2025, this year’s programme is bursting with culture, creativity, and community spirit. From world-class theatre to joyful street parades, the festival offers something for everyone and shines a light on Hull’s vibrant diversity.

Here are five unmissable cultural highlights to look forward to:

The Genesis – Circus-Theatre at Its Finest

Performed by the Copenhagen Collective, The Genesis is a visually stunning, wordless circus-theatre show. With 17 world-class acrobats, expect breathtaking aerial choreography, ensemble movement, and pure spectacle. This piece combines physical skill with emotional storytelling and is one of the festival’s must-see ticketed events.

• Dates: 28–30 August

• Location: Hull Truck Theatre

• Tickets required

2. The Torch – A Tribute to Ebo Taylor

Ghanaian musician Kobby Taylor brings a vibrant gig-theatre piece that celebrates the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Ebo Taylor. Blending Afrobeat, jazz, hip-hop, harp, and spoken word, The Torch pays homage to Ebo’s legacy while shining a light on cultural identity, creativity, and resilience.

• Dates: 28–29 August

• Location: Hull Truck Theatre

• Tickets required

3. Street Parades and Beats Across the City

Hull city centre will come alive with energy and rhythm across 30–31 August, as Zone 1 hosts a series of free street performances. Highlights include Autin Dance Theatre’s Parade: The Giant Wheel, the energetic Posse, the much-loved Beats Bus, and a range of local buskers filling Queen Victoria Square and Ferensway with music and joy.

• Dates: 30–31 August

• Location: Zone 1 (Ferensway to Queen Victoria Square)

• Free

4. Circus Delights: Pirate Taxi & Castaway

For families and thrill-seekers, Zone  2 will be buzzing with unique circus experiences. Pirate Taxi is a playful roaming circus act on wheels, while Castaway presents breathtaking aerial stunts and high-energy performance. Expect laughter, gasps, and plenty of surprises.

• Dates: 30–31 August

• Location: Zone 2 (Princes Dock Street to Hull Minster)

• Free

5. Freedom Films & Floating Theatre Installations

Art, film, and theatre collide in Zone 3 around Humber Street and the Marina. The Freedom Films programme, curated with Hull Independent Cinema, will showcase bold and thought-provoking films. Alongside, audiences can explore floating theatre installations like Sliding Slope, Tamar & Jo, Devour, The Strange Travel of Mr Tonet, and The Animals by Apus Productions. Together, these performances immerse audiences in imaginative storytelling and cultural reflection.

• Dates: 30–31 August

• Location: Zone 3 (Humber Street, Stage@TheDock, Marina)

• Free

A Festival for Everyone

Freedom Festival is more than just entertainment; it’s a celebration of freedom, community, and culture. From Afrobeat tributes and circus spectacles to grassroots street parades, the 2025 programme reflects Hull’s diversity and creativity. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, this festival is a chance to experience the very best of Hull’s cultural spirit.

Tip: Many of the performances are free, but ticketed events like The Genesis and The Torch will sell out fast, so secure your spot early!

For the full programme and booking details, visit the Freedom Festival website.