Freedom Festival - the flagship arts and culture event in Hull, the next UK City of Culture – has announced the first details of its 2015 line-up, which includes a headline performance Public Service Broadcasting and new work from internationally-renowned, pioneering sound artist Scanner.

Under the 2015 festival theme of 'Broadcast: Voices of Freedom', the three-day street festival on 4th-6th September will also feature Tubular Bells For Two, a ground-breaking reworking of Mike Oldfield's multi-layered, 20-instrument masterpiece by just two musicians, Daniel Holdsworth and Aidan Roberts, performed in the unique setting of England’s largest parish church, Hull's Holy Trinity. The award-winning show, described as 'the musical equivalent of the triathlon, with bells on', will be performed on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September tickets (£17 / £15). 

The festival’s opening night will include a spectacular and uplifting site-specific performance, Voices of Freedom, which explores the River Hull, its past and its impact in shaping the future of the city. Taking place on and around the city’s Scale Lane swing bridge and illuminating the River Hull in this way for the first time, Voices of Freedom is a mass choral performance that speaks of the relationship between the river and its people, featuring newly-commissioned work from composer Graeme Stewart.

Now in its eighth year, Freedom Festival celebrates Hull’s historic links to the cause of freedom as the birthplace of anti-slavery pioneer William Wilberforce. It will feature more than 200 acts – music, street theatre, outdoor arts, comedy, spoken word and more - across three days, set on the streets of Hull’s historic Fruit Market and in other city centre locations.

Liz Pugh, co-founder of Festival Directors Walk the Plank said: “The theme for this year draws attention to connections between the human voice and the message of freedom. From new commissions curated by Scanner, to the idea of making a big noise about the city and its artists and of amplifying the best of what’s in Hull all year round, the programme has been inspired by the theme throughout, with many additional elements to be announced in the coming weeks and months.”

Liz Pugh continued: “The idea of broadcasting as the opposite of narrowcasting is key – today, sophisticated technology often filters what we can and can’t see. This festival offers such a breadth of programme that you’re guaranteed to be taken by surprise by a new band, delighted by an amazing street show, or enthralled by a pop-up performance you just happen across.”

“Last year’s audience increase of 40% underlined the importance and appeal of such diversity, and of events that engage people as participants as well as spectators.”

Freedom Festival Trust Board Chair Graham Chesters said that audience participation and the empowering of Hull residents to tell their own stories would be key elements of this year’s festival. 

“As well as more artist information, we will soon be outlining details of community programmes that give a new platform to local people. We were thrilled with the response to last year’s festival and are constantly looking for fresh ways to reach and engage people in the city and further afield. We have a very exciting summer ahead.”

Councillor Terry Geraghty, Portfolio holder for Leisure & Culture, Hull City Council said: “This first indication of the Freedom programme will certainly whet appetites and get the city geared up for another brilliant festival this summer. We’re pleased to be offering our support again and look forward to further plans being revealed.”