The Awakening Festival 2022
The Awakening from Freedom Festival.

The Awakening 2023: All you need to know

Hull city centre will be illuminated this weekend with the return of the spectacular Awakening from Freedom Festival.

The event, across two evenings, will feature world-class installations and performances, with Hull’s historic areas presented in a new and enchanting light.

When is it taking place?

Friday 17 March, 6pm until 10pm.

Saturday 18 March, 6pm until 10pm.

How much does it cost?

The Awakening is free to attend.

What’s happening?

There are various events and performances taking place all over the city centre, here are just a few highlights –

Intrude, from Parer Studio.

Parer Studio: Intrude

Friday and Saturday, 6pm until 10pm

The Rose Bowl

Some very large white rabbits, illuminated in stark white light, have been invading the planet and have now arrived in Hull.

Nature Nocturnal, Lantern Company.

Lantern Company: Nature Nocturnal

Friday and Saturday, 6pm until 10pm

Queens Gardens

Queens Gardens will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, focusing on the natural world at night.

The Broken Orchestra, Re:Score.

The Broken Orchestra: Re:Score

Friday and Saturday, 6pm until 10pm

Ferens Art Gallery

Visit Ferens Studio for another chance to see forgotten archive films featuring new scores from independent musical artists.

Trinity Live, Sesh Events.

Sesh Events: Trinity Live

Friday and Saturday, 6pm until 9pm

Trinity Market

The regular and popular Trinity Live (which takes place on Thursdays in Trinity Market) is hosting two special events for the Awakening. Alongside Trinity Live, the market will be open for food, drinks and public facilities including a changing places toilet.

Worldbeaters, Spark! Drummers.

Worldbeaters: Spark! Drummers

Friday and Saturday, 6:45pm, 7:45pm, 8:45pm

Whitefriargate

Prepare to be astonished by magical street theatre featuring live music, movement and lighting in which mysterious characters composed of light and sound transform the landscape around them.

How can I find out more?

You can find out more about Awakening 2023 by visiting the Freedom Festival website.

Anything else?

If Friday and Saturday isn’t enough, don’t worry, there’s a bonus event taking place at Social on Humber Street on Sunday –

Hack-Poets Guild, Blacketter Garland.

Hack-Poets Guild: Blackletter Garland

Sunday, 7.30pm

Social, Humber Street

Three of the UK’s most innovative and prestigious folk artists, Marry Waterson, Lisa Knapp and Nathaniel Mann, present Blackletter Garland, a brand new album and live tour.

Don’t forget to share your images of The Awakening with us on Twitter and Instagram.

A selection of gold pieces from the collection against a dark blue wall