Between The Tides Festival
Circus, Live Shows, Woodland Magic and Free Outdoor Fun in Redcar.

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Posted on 26th July 2026

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Winner of Best Event of the Year at the North East Cultural Awards, the Between The Tides Festival returns to Redcar this August. Transforming the historic grounds of Kirkleatham Village, Kirkleatham Museum, and the Walled Garden into an expansive open-air stage, this multi-arts celebration brings world-class outdoor theatre, puppetry, aerial circus, and storytelling directly to the coast.

Taking place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August 2026, the festival offers completely free admission across its main stages and extended woodland performance areas. From high-energy circus comedy to the messy foam party finale, it remains one of the premier free family days out in North Yorkshire.

Festival Highlights & Outdoor Shows 🎪🎭

The 2026 main weekend lineup features top outdoor arts acts performing across Kirkleatham's gardens, grounds, and newly added woodland zones:

• 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, and physical comedy.
• Hydro Punk (Artizani): A chaotic, playful water machine filled with taps, valves, pipes, sprays, leaks, games, and puzzles.
• The Fabularium: Captivating storytelling, puppetry, and acrobatics featuring Reynard the Fox on Saturday and The Hare & The Moon on Sunday.
• Falconry Dismay (Dizzy O’Dare): Hilarious and anarchic outdoor theatre following three human-sized birds of prey and their trainer.
• The Ugly Bug Wingding (Enter Edem): A miniature insect jubilee inviting families into a world of colourful creatures on their way to an un-bee-lievable party.
• Go Grandad Go (Company DHW): A heartwarming intergenerational hip hop theatre performance.
• Wheelie Proud (Curious Arts): A dazzling gold disco trike bringing mobile tunes to the grounds.
• Live Music Stage (Sunday Only): Featuring The David Gibb Big Band for a surreal, hilarious musical trip full of dancing teddy bears, school wolves, and bedroom dragons.
• Lady Lemon Top & Captain Plim: Seaside stories featuring Captain Plim and his fishy companion, First Mate Sole.
• Walkabout & Party Experiences: Interactive chalk walk, party animal woodland disco, walkabout characters, and the return of the iconic Big Bubble Bash foam party finale.

Free Workshops & Accessibility Features 🎨🧘

Beyond the main stages, the weekend includes two full days of free drop-in workshops for all ages. Visitors can try dance, yoga, land art with James Brunt, fun sports sessions with Everyone Active, flag making, clay modelling, wand making, sun catchers, book illustration, sparkly starfish craft, and printmaking.

Accessible & Inclusive Planning: The first hour of each day (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM) is designated as a Relaxed Hour. Additionally, Autism Support Allies will be on-site providing a dedicated Safe Space for anyone needing a quiet break during the event.

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 all festival grounds, street theatre, outdoor stages, Walled Garden, and drop-in workshops!

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2026 Event Timings

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August 2026
• Festival Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Relaxed Hour: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM daily

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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 & Quiet Space

Step-free access across grass and gravel paths. Features a Relaxed Hour (10am–11am) and a dedicated Autism Support Allies Safe Space.

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Visitor Tip

If your children plan to dive into the Big Bubble Bash foam party or play near Hydro Punk, pack a towel and a change 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). Standard museum car parks are reserved for event operations.

🚌 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.