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The annual celebration of creativity and community in Hartlepool returns to the historic Headland
The annual celebration of creativity and community in Hartlepool returns to the historic Hartlepool Headland from Friday 26th-Sunday 28th November.
Aimed as a springboard to launch the festive season in the town, the streets will be awash with music, art, performance and a carnival atmosphere. With a theme of Turning Tides, organisers aim for the event to encourage hope, connection and inspire creativity.
Illuminations and installations will include work direct from the Lumiere art trail, which is expanding this year to celebrate the County Durham City of Culture bid. An interactive self-led trail, sound walk and immersive displays will be a day and night spectacle. Windows and building facades will be brought to life with artwork created by the community, and buskers, choirs, brass bands and fire acts will see the streets brimming with entertainment. There will also be live music in partner venues throughout the weekend, with sets from garage rockers Onlooker, balladeer Lost State of Dan and indie rock duo Giraffes among others.
For festival goers wishing to try their hand at a new skill, workshops will include wreath making, photography, ceramics, pottery, graffiti, music and drumming, body adornment and much more.
Wintertide is an independent event run by volunteers from the Headland Festival Group, Rachel from community arts organisation BloomInArt explains why supporting artists is so needed in the area. “It’s really important as a community festival to create a platform to showcase, strengthen and support talent on our doorstep. Linking across groups, colleges and then connecting them in a programme with established artists from the area and the big show stoppers creates that opportunity to push boundaries, build ambition and strive for excellence.”
Wintertide Festival takes place art Hartlepool Headland from Friday 26th-Sunday 28th November
