Participation Opportunities

Interested? Sign Up To Take Part Here

Participating in Freedom Festival means you get a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the action. Every year, we work with hundreds of people from our communities, just like you, who want the chance to try something a little different. Might this be the year for you?

What does participating in the festival mean?

Being a participant means you get the chance to be involved with our artists and performances- this can look like many things! We want everyone to feel they can get involved however makes them feel comfortable.

Why should I get involved?

  • Firstly, it's massively fun
  • It can be really positive for wellbeing
  • You can try something you’d never get the opportunity to do
  • You’ll meet new people
  • You can get experience you can pop on a CV or application

“It was a unique, amazing experience all in all. Very well ran and went above and beyond for artists. I gained a whole new aspect in my djing, as in mixing new, different sorts of music and to a bigger crowd with different ages! Definitely a confidence booster too, walking about with a smile on my face thinking about it!” – Aiden, DJ.

“This was a wonderfully inclusive experience from start to finish and a great opportunity for local musicians to interact” – Tony, participant. 

Who are you looking for?
Everyone! Participating at Freedom Festival is open to all and we strive to make it as accessible and inclusive as we can. You don’t need to have any previous experience in performing, festivals or volunteering.

When will you need me and how much time will I need to give?
All of our projects differ in the amount of time you’ll need to give - some involve rehearsal time and some are just pop along on the day. We will try to be as flexible as we can to make sure you can get involved by:

  • Giving you the information as early as we can - our engagement producer will give full briefings and schedules closer to the event time
  • Having sessions at a variety of times
  • Having sessions on a variety of days
  • Working with you to get your input

How?
How do I get involved? To get involved, please complete this simple form. we do ask you for some details like your age and where you live. This is to help us find the best project for you.

“In year 5 we have music lessons and we were invited to the freedom festival to take part in it. What I loved the most is that I got to play in front of people.” – Maya, pupil 

Freedom Festival 2024 open calls - what opportunities are there this year?

Secret Singers


What is it?
It's a bit secret but we can tell you that we're looking for people who want to get involved with something a bit musical and very unique. You'll get more information when you sign up.

What will I be doing?
We’re looking for people happy to be part of a performance as part of a large group. No singing experience necessary! If you have a singing group, please drop us an email to register your singers.

When will it be and how long will I need to give?
You’ll need to attend a 3 hour workshop on the day before the festival and a one hour workshop on performance day.

Polyglot Theatre, Pram People


What is it?
A celebration of community, Pram People rolls out the red carpet for every pram, big or small. Pram users assemble en masse, following curious and wonderful prompts through headphones, secret messages and even other participants. Performers delight and intrigue, adding to the fun as families weave amongst and around each other.

What will I be doing?
We’re looking for people with prams to take part in this interactive show. No experience necessary! All you’ll need to do is sign up, arrive at the location and pop on a pair of headphones! You can bring people along with you to take part, including other children.

When will it be and how long will I need to give?
You just need to be available on show day! There are 4 performances- two on festival Saturday and two on Sunday. You can do one or as many as you like! You’ll need to be there 20 minutes before to check yourselves in. The experience is around 45 minutes.

You can do one or as many of these as you’d like:

Saturday 31st August 11.00am
Saturday 31st August 2.30pm
Sunday 1st September 11.00am
Sunday 1st September 2.30pm



Bench Invasion, Compagnie Krak


What is it?
In this joyful performance, the artist leads 10 people, each with a bench under their arm, into the public space. We actively invite people to come and sit next to us. We build the benches. We sit, we slow down. We are present, we listen. At the end of each meeting, we invite that person to a closing moment of celebration later that day.

What will I be doing?
You’ll be carrying and building your benches and then inviting people to come and chat to you. You’ll be given questions to ask so don’t worry about getting stuck!

When will it be and how long will I need to give?
There are two performances on festival weekend. We’re looking for different aged performers on each day.

Saturday 31st August 1:30pm-4.15pm: Children aged 8-14 (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

Sunday 1st September 1:00pm-3:45: adults over 18.

Sign Up

Have a group you think might like to work with us? Drop us an email at participation@freedomfestival.co.uk

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