Freedom Festival lands £200,000 grant to deliver year-round events
‘WE’RE DELIGHTED’: The Freedom Festival team. From left, Katie Atkins, Lorna Fulton, Phil Hargreaves, Kathryn Biggin and Ian Morley
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Freedom Festival Arts Trust (FFAT) has secured funding from the Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation to deliver arts, culture, and heritage activities throughout the year – reaching communities locally, regionally, and nationally far beyond the annual Freedom Festival.
The four-year grant totalling £200,000 sustains FFAT's growth, powering ground-breaking creative projects, skills development, and community input into local culture.
Phil Hargreaves, marking his first year as festival director, said: “We’re delighted to secure four-year funding from the Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation. This support is vital for our ongoing development, empowering communities to join ground-breaking creative projects at Freedom Festival while giving local people opportunities to build skills, discover new cultural experiences, and shape what’s happening in the area.
“We can’t wait to dive into this work in the months and years ahead.”
DRAWING CROWDS: Freedom on Tour in Goole last year
New programmes enabled by the funding include:
Pied Piper: A raucous musical re-imagining of the medieval fairy-tale, partnering with Hull Truck Theatre and Arcade.
Freedom Citizens: A community panel shaping FFAT’s goals via skills training, ‘go see’ visits to shows and festivals, and input on selection panels.
Freedom on Tour: Bringing the 2025 Freedom Festival hit Castaway (with Living with Water and Highly Sprung Performance) to four Hull schools in spring 2026, plus workshops on water pollution.
Community Cinema: Pop-up screenings with Hull Independent Cinema and Film Hub North – freedom-themed films chosen by local communities.
Freedom Online: Digital platform launching March 12, 2026 with films, podcasts, videos, and exhibitions from Company Chameleon, Copenhagen Collective, Itchy & The Feminine Urge.
Phil said:“From April 2026, more activities roll out across Hull, building to Freedom Festival 2026 (September 3 to 6). Expect earlier announcements on programmes, participation, and performances.
“FFAT invites community groups, networks, culture champions, and businesses keen on creativity and place-making partnerships to get in touch.”
You can contact the festival via info@freedomfestival.co.uk.