Regeneration leader Wykeland Group has extended its support for Hull’s cultural showpiece, Freedom Festival, through to its milestone 20th year.
As a top-tier supporter of the city’s annual arts extravaganza, Hull-based Wykeland will be a Core Funder of Freedom Festival for the next three years.
The enhanced partnership will run through to Freedom Festival’s 20th anniversary year in 2027, and will mean that Wykeland has been a key sponsor of Hull’s flagship cultural event since its beginnings in 2007.
It underlines Wykeland’s commitment to championing arts and culture in Hull and the wider region, bringing communities together as part of its passion for combining physical, cultural and social regeneration.
Leading property development and investment business Wykeland invests more than £100,000 annually into social, charitable and cultural projects in the region, with its support for Freedom Festival a key element of this commitment
Wykeland Managing Director Dominic Gibbons said: “Freedom Festival has been a highlight of the region’s events calendar for approaching two decades.
“In that time, it has played a hugely important role in showcasing and celebrating Hull’s rich and varied cultural and arts scene, as well as bringing to the city inspirational and unforgettable performances and experiences.
“At Wykeland, we strive to make a positive impact which stretches far beyond our developments. Our continued support of the Freedom Festival reflects our passion for social and cultural regeneration alongside our continued investment in creating great places for people to live, work and play.”
Previously a Freedom Festival Major Sponsor, Wykeland has now upgraded its partnership to become a Core Funder. It puts Wykeland among the leading partners of the festival, alongside Hull City Council and Arts Council England.
Wykeland plays a significant role in the region’s creative sector. The business has supported more than 40 cultural organisations, including working with Hull’s Middle Child theatre company to create the Fresh Ink writers’ festival to develop creative skills, which is now in its second year.
Wykeland’s portfolio includes Stage @TheDock, Hull’s distinctive outdoor venue located in the city’s Fruit Market urban village, which is a key location for Freedom Festival.
Freedom Festival is taking place this year from August 28-31 in a range of spaces and places across the city.
Phil Hargreaves, Festival Director of Freedom Festival, said: “Having been a supporter of Freedom Festival since inception, it seems fitting to acknowledge our long-standing partnership with Wykeland by crediting them as a Core Funder, alongside Arts Council England and Hull City Council, for Freedom Festival Arts Trust (FFAT).
“The support we receive year on year is testament to their dedication to culture and supporting Hull in continuing to be a destination to work, live and play.
“The support from local businesses is paramount to FFAT achieving our goals and ambitions of bringing the community of Hull together, celebrating our rich heritage of freedom and social justice, delivering a festival that puts Hull on the map, nationally and internationally, and allowing us to keep our programme 85% free to access for all.”
Freedom Festival continues to go from strength to strength. In 2024, 70,000 visitors attended the festival across three days, as almost 200 artists from 32 different performance companies delivered 218 events. Freedom Festival is estimated to contribute £1.8m of economic impact in the city of Hull.
