The Between the Tides is once again expecting to attract thousands of visitors for a weekend of free family entertainment as part of Redcar and Cleveland’s Flagship Festival for children, young people and their families.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August from 10am to 5pm each day, the festival will bring together live performance, interactive activities and outdoor entertainment for audiences of all ages.
This year’s programme includes circus skills, aerial performance, immersive installations, music, dance and a foam party finale, offering a varied line-up designed to appeal to families and young people.
Highlights from the programme include:
- Disorder of Knights by Tit for Tat: A thrilling mix of juggling, comedy and theatrical circus.
- Up in the Sky by Autin Dance: Commissioned by Between the Tides this joyful, high-impact aerial show is performed on a striking seven-metre circular structure. Audiences can look up as six performers soar, spin and fly through a heart-warming story of belonging, adventure and home.
- Hydro Punk by Artizani: Taps, valves, pipes, pumps, sprays and leaks come together to create a chaotic, yet playful water machine filled with games and puzzles.
- The Ugly Bug Wingding by Enter Edem: A mesmerising celebration for the eyes and ears, inviting visitors into a magical miniature world of insects and colourful creatures on their way to an un-bee-lievable party.
- Luminarium by Architects of Air: A welcome return for the much-loved light-filled inflatable experience.
- Party Animals forest takeover: Enjoy a silent woodland disco, costumes to wear and a vibrant musical experience.
- The Big Bubble Bash: Returning after proving a highlight of last year’s festival, the foam party finale offers the perfect messy ending to a weekend dedicated to family fun.
Workshops, installations, live music, and a street food Pick and Mix Market will bring something for everyone's taste.
New for 2026, the festival will also host a Teen Takeover Day on Tuesday 18 August, on Redcar High Street offering a programme designed for young people aged 10 and above. Running from 11am to 4pm, the day will provide opportunities to take part in creative, digital and performance-based activities at no cost.
Teen Takeover Day highlights include:
- Game Zone: A gaming bus featuring multi-screen Minecraft, FIFA, Super Mario and more.
- Palmer Illustrations: Fashion and fantasy illustration sessions.
- We Make Sound: Creative music sessions using loop pedals, drum machines, synths and more.
- Youth Host for Zest Theatre’s Sound Board: A chance to take part in an interactive experience that is part chat show, part game and part performance, with shows at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm.
- Protection of Dream: A street dance performance by Redcar’s Imaginarium Studio at midday.
- Caroline Colours Creative: A collaborative giant doodle activity.
- Adam Bligh: An origami workshop.
- Meet author Mike Edwards: A session with the author whose latest book, The Voice in the Flames, is set around Redcar and Cleveland and the former steelworks.
- Circurama: Circus skills including unicycling, juggling, plate-spinning and more.
A chill-out zone and Teen Book Swap will also be available for young people who would prefer a quieter space during the day.
Teen Takeover Day is free to attend and no booking is required. Young people can drop in throughout the day, and accompanying adults are welcome.
Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, Cllr Carrie Richardson, said: "We're delighted to welcome Between the Tides back to Kirkleatham this summer following its well-deserved success at the North East Cultural Awards. The festival has quickly become one of the highlights of our cultural calendar, bringing together high-quality performances, creative experiences and family fun in a unique and accessible way.
"What makes Between the Tides so special is its ability to transform our local spaces into vibrant cultural destinations where people of all ages can come together to enjoy arts, music, theatre and interactive activities. We are proud to support events such as this, and we look forward to seeing families and festival-goers enjoy another exciting programme of events this summer."
This event, programmed and produced by the council has been financially supported by the Arts Council England and sponsored by Everyone Active.
For more details, including information on car parking, the venue and toilets, please visit: Enjoy