Between The Tides Festival
Circus, Luminarium Light Domes and Free Outdoor Magic in Redcar.

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Posted on 26th July 2026

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The award-winning Between The Tides Festival returns to Redcar this August, transforming the historic grounds of Kirkleatham Village, Kirkleatham Museum, and the Walled Garden into a vibrant open-air stage. Designed specifically for children, young people, and families, this multi-arts celebration brings world-class outdoor theatre, puppetry, aerial circus, and storytelling to the coast.

Running on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August 2026 (with fringe activations starting earlier in the week), the festival offers completely free admission across its main outdoor stages. From high-energy circus comedy to the messy foam party finale, it stands as one of the standout free family days out in North Yorkshire.

Festival Highlights & Outdoor Shows 🎪🎭

The 2026 programme spans multiple performance zones tucked across Kirkleatham's gardens and woodland walks:

• Up in the Sky (Autin Dance): A high-impact aerial acrobatics show performed high above the crowd on a 7-metre circular rig.
• Disorder of Knights (Tit for Tat): Thrilling theatrical circus, juggling, physical comedy, and plenty of fiery stunts.
• The Big Bubble Bash: A massive foam party finale set to favourite children's TV themes—a hugely popular, messy highlight to cap off each day.
• Pick 'N' Mix Market: A dedicated street food alley offering artisan treats, cold drinks, and local produce.
• Teen Festival Fringe (New for 2026): An extra day of youth pop-up performances and creative workshops taking over Redcar High Street on Tuesday 18th August.

The Luminarium by Architects of Air 🌈✨

A major highlight returning for 2026 is the Luminarium by Architects of Air, situated in the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum. Visitors remove their shoes to step inside a giant, air-filled monumental sculpture, wandering through a labyrinth of soaring domes and tunnels filled with saturated, natural light and subtle soundscapes.

Note: The Luminarium runs for four days (Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd August 2026). While festival entry is free, the Luminarium requires a small ticketed fee and pre-booking is strongly recommended as slots sell out early.

Photo Gallery

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential visitor details for organizing your day out at Kirkleatham:

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Admission Cost

FREE ENTRY

Free entry to the festival grounds, street theatre, and Walled Garden! (Small charge applies separately for Luminarium tickets).

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2026 Event Timings

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August 2026
• Main Festival Grounds: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Luminarium: Thu 20th – Sun 23rd Aug

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Family Facilities

Dedicated baby changing stations and breastfeeding-friendly spaces are located inside Kirkleatham Museum and the Walled Garden.

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Accessibility & BSL

The site features step-free access across grass and gravel paths. Many main shows feature BSL interpretation or relaxed outdoor formats.

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Visitor Tip

If your children plan to dive into the famous Big Bubble Bash foam finale, pack a towel and a spare set of clothes in your bag!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Event Location:

Kirkleatham Museum & Walled Garden, Kirkleatham, Redcar, North Yorkshire, TS10 5NW

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🚗 By Car & Free Event Parking

Situated off the A174 / Kirkleatham Lane, roughly 3 miles inland from central Redcar. Official event car parking is FREE and located at the Kirkleatham Showground (Postcode: TS10 4QR). Designated Blue Badge parking is available at the Walled Garden entrance (TS10 4AS). Note: standard museum car parks are closed to general event traffic.

🚌 By Public Transport

Direct Arriva Bus 63 (Middlesbrough to Redcar) and 81 / 81A services (Guisborough to Redcar) stop directly outside Kirkleatham Village. Connecting trains run into Redcar Central railway station, where local buses or taxis complete the short journey.