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Between the Tides

Between the Tides Festival

Between the Tides Festival for children and families returns to Redcar

Welcome to the wonderful world of Between the Tides, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s free outdoor festival for children, young people and families.  Now in our third year, we have a new location at Kirkleatham where you will find us in the grounds of the Museum and the Walled Garden on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August 2025.

The festival will transform Kirkleatham into an exciting spectacle of theatre, puppetry, circus, dance, storytelling, live music and more with a fabulous family-friendly programme. 

As well as mesmerising performances, there are also playful installations to enjoy like the Giant’s Picnic, the Imagination Playground or the incredible Babylon Gamelon.  

Get creative with one of our free workshops. Make an animal mask and wear it to our woodland silent disco.  Create a clay character; learn how to make a wind powered car or get active with a family dance workshop. 

Look out for a colourful cast of walkabout characters chosen by young people from Redcar & Cleveland. 

This year we have commissioned two shows – Society of Stray’s No Plan Bee and Curious Arts’ The Caterpillar and the Turkey.   For the first time, we also have a festival fringe which will feature pop-up performances around Redcar & Cleveland in the week running up to the festival.   

Architects of Air are back with another incredible Luminarium installation (please note there is a small charge for this) and we also have plenty of food stalls to keep everyone fed and watered.  Or of course, you can bring your own picnic. 

We’ve used the navigation app What3Words to guide you around the site.  Each performance area is marked with a unique set of three words so download the app on your phone to ensure you don’t miss a thing!

EventDate, Time & LocationDescriptionPicture
The Rainbow Butterfly – Ella Mesme CompanySat & Sun 10-11am, 2.30-3.30pm
Kirkleatham Walled Garden
Age 3+
What3Words///comical.nests.quiet
Maja has wings that sparkle and shimmer! The Rainbow Butterfly is an immersive and imaginative show that celebrates how unique we all are using creativity, carnival, aerial circus, beatbox, and hip hop dance to help Maja fly creatively all the way to the moon (because the Earth without Art is just Eh!)
No Plan Bee – Society of StraysSunday only 12.30-1, 4-4.30pm
Kirkleatham Walled Garden
Age 3+
What3Words///merit.resort.things
We’re absolutely buzzing to premier this Between the Tides commission – an outdoor family show brand new vibrant, interactive outdoor show fusing dance, music an storytelling.  Join Queen Bee and her hive in a high energy, BSL embedded adventure to save our pollinator friends.  
Rise Up – Whippet UpSat & Sun 11.45-12.15,  2-2.30pm, 3.30-4pm, 4.30-5pm
(BSL interpreted 2pm Sunday)
Kirkleatham Walled Garden
All ages
What3Words//force.melon.laying
Discover mythical creatures and local legends retold in a wonderful Whippet Up way.  Find out How the Devil Lost His Toenails, meet Captain Kelp and his Little Kelpers and welcome back cake-loving hero The Skinningrove Merman. Each Rise Up tale features a song from award winning artist Amelia Coburn.
Meadow Sprites – Curious CargoSat & Sun 11-11.45am, 1.15-2pm & 3-3.45pm
Kirkleatham Walled Garden
All ages
What3Words///taking.device.shells
Charming, cheeky & thoroughly engaging these magical creatures have flown in from the meadow to explore the human world. Watch them as they fly & flit about, spreading summer’s warmth & tales of their woodland habitat. Now you see them, now you don’t!
Hapazome & Seed Bomb WorkshopSat & Sun 10-5pm
Kirkleatham Walled Garden
Ages 5+
What3Words///moving,flops.storms
Connect the environment with art with our Hapazome workshop.  A form of eco-printing that involves transferring coloured pigments from plant materials onto paper by pounding with a hammer, this is a gorgeous way to celebrate nature’s beauty.  
Choogh Choogh – BeejaSat & Sun 10.30am & 1.30pm
Discovery Quarter
Age 0-7, families, train and travel lovers
What3Words ///quick.slang.kicks
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India.
Experience the sights, sounds and smells evoked through South Asian dance, music and theatre; and meet some amazing characters along the way.
25 mins + stay and play
Betty Brown Bags – Raggle Taggle ArtsSat & Sun 11.15-11.45am, 3.30-4pm (BSL interpreted 3.30pm Sunday)
Discovery Quarter
All ages
What3Words///aware.flag.plots
A glorious celebration of Northern working-class culture, Betty Brown Bags is a spectacular interactive show featuring live music, clog dancing, singing and even some sword fighting!  Supported by Without Walls.
Babylon Gamelon – Rag and BoneSat & Sun 10-5pm
Discovery Quarter
All ages
What3Words ///scans.radar.span
An incredible four metre high mechanical sound sculpture that invites you to pull, push, strum and drum.  Forget ‘Don’t Touch’ – this is all about making as much noise as you can!
Theatre for One – Lempen Puppet TheatreSat & Sun 10-11am, 12-1pm, 2-3pm
Discovery Quarter
All ages
What3Words ///tables.pipes.debate
Imaginative, spellbinding, surprising and sometimes bonkers, Lempen’s whirlwind Theatre for One productions are a fast and furious three-minute romp.
Take your pick from three different productions – Riverbed Dive, Darwin’s Workshop or Frankenstein
Giant’s Picnic – Theatre HullabalooSat & Sun 10-5pm
The Green
Ages 0-5
What3Words///heave.search.cling
Oversized food for supersized play.  If you’ve always wanted to stack the biggest cheese sandwich tower, roll with sausages or jump into a doughnut, come and join the fun!
Den Building – Between the Tides imaginative playSat & Sun 10-5pm
The Green
All ages
What3Words///transit.blame.young
Come and get creative in nature and build your own den.  Timeless play for all the family.
The Oak Mobile – Talking BirdsSat & Sun 10-5pm (BSL interpreted 4-5pm Sunday)
The Green
All ages
What3Words///flight.salt.assets
Step inside the mysterious silver Oak Mobile to meet the Storyteller, whose friend The Robin needs your help to get the world back in balance! Nature-themed, multi-sensory storytelling. Ramp accessible. Shows every 10 mins.
Imagination Playground – Theatre HullabalooSat & Sun 10-5pm
The Green
Ages 2+
What3Words///lion.shine.discouraged
Come along and discover a whole world of building possibilities!
Made from super-light foam building blocks, children and families can together create a unique play space all of their own. 
Creative Creatures Workshop – Adam BlighSat & Sun 10-5pm
Car Park Creations
Ages 4+
What3Words///raves.sparks.guilty
Transform yourself into your spirit animal with our free mask making workshops.  Fox or owl, deer or squirrel – get creative with artist Adam Bligh and make a mask to wear to our Party Animal Silent Disco in our Woodland Wonderland.
Woodland Create Clay Workshop – Tees Valley ArtsSat & Sun 10-5pm
Car Park Creations
Ages 2+
What3Words///hello.cool.trades
Come and get your hands dirty in the best possible way!  Get creative with clay and make a real – or imagined – creature with Tees Valley Arts.  
Science Workshops – Big ScienceSat & Sun 10-5pm
Car Park Creations
Ages 5+
What3Words///either.rift.shrimp
Join Big Science for four fantastic free activities.  Learn how to make your own sherbet. Whizz up some fizzy drinks and mocktails.  Create your own bubbles.  Or  make a wind-powered car.   And you get to take away what you’ve made!
Family Dance Workshops – TeesDanceSat & Sun 10-10.30am, 1-1.30pm and 4.30-5pm
Car Park Creations
All ages
What3Words///giant.going.frogs
Get your groove on with these fun family dance workshops by TeesDance.   They believe that everyone can dance but not everyone has the chance. Well now you do!   Let’s see your best moves.  Suitable for all ages and abilities.  
Now I Become d/Deaf (Destroyer of Words) – Tit for Tat CircusSat & Sun 12-12.30pm & 2.30-3pm
Car Park Creations
All ages
What3Words///aspect.ridge.stale
Immerse yourself in a world where the loudest actions are lost in translation, and the tiniest looks become deafening. A visual spectacle that celebrates silence, this is a one man show that features some incredible hat juggling skills, a breathtaking balancing act on telescopic ladders and a lot of laughter.
Tape That – Hands Down TheatreSat & Sun 10.30-11am, 2-2.30pm
Car Park Creations
All ages
What3Words///shark.forest.basic
Two acrobats and a suitcase full of tape.  Prepare to be amazed at the circus skills and creativity of Hands Down Theatre. Juggling, clowning and some spectacular acrobatics in this colourful and hugely entertaining show.
Seaside Stories – Lady Lemon TopSat & Sun 10.45-11.15am
All ages
What3Words///grass.escape.driven
Discover Kirkleatham Café’s Secret Garden and you’ll find the whimsical Lady Lemon Top.   Created by Greener Lavelle in conjunction with the young people from our Festival Club, Lady Lemon Top will be weaving magical tales of local folklore.  Look out for her on walkabout too!
Live Music StageSat & Sun 10.30-5pm
Stage & Pick n Mix Market
All ages
What3Words///email.candy.regard
Our live music stage features an exciting range of musicians programmed with children and young people in mind.   Find us next to the Pick n Mix Food Market.   Grab some tasty street food and settle in for some fantastic musical entertainment.
Saturday
10.30am – Youth Music Takeover
Talented singer songwriters and musicians from Redcar & Cleveland
Saturday
11.30am – Lady Lemon Top
Join Between the Tide’s Lady Lemon Top for some seaside stories.
Saturday & Sunday
1.30pm – Bridie Jackson
Community musician Bridie makes joyful, bespoke and accessible musical experiences. Come and join the fun.
Saturday
2.30pm – Aurora Strings
Dance to the hits of Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Adele, Oasis, Abba and many more performed by this fantastic string quartet.  
Saturday
4.00pm – Summer Singalong with Carol
A fun filled interactive performance packed with sunny songs and lively dancing for under 5s.
Sunday
10.30am – Saltburn Folk Festival takeover
Fabulous folk singers and musicians from our friends at Saltburn Folk Festival.
Sunday
11.30am & 2.30pm – David Gibb
Multi award winning musician and author David Gibb is a bit of a superstar in the world of children’s music.  Nominated for a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and awarded a highly commended prize at the Young Story Teller of the Year, he’s released 8 albums for families and is loved by audiences around the world.
Sunday
4pm – Big Bubble Bash
Who doesn’t love a foam party? Especially when the DJ is playing mash ups of all your favourite children’s TV themes from the last 50 years.  Beat box Bill & Ben? Cha cha Charlie & Lola? Afrobeats Andy Pandy?  Listen out for your favourite TV show and join the fun!
Party Animal InstallationsSat & Sun 10.30-5pm
Woodland Wonderland
All ages
What3Words///remark.translated.crust
Explore our magical woodland wonderland. Look out for colourful creatures, fabulous forest frippery, treasures in the trees and surprises around every corner. 
The Spellcasters Sat & Sun 10-10.30am, 11.30-12noon, 1-1.30pm, 2.30-3pm, 3.30-4pm
Woodland Wonderland
All ages
What3Words///remark.translated.crust
Three weird and wordy witches are weaving spells in the woods, enchantments to cast happiness over the whole world – but which ingredients should they use? Help them come up with the perfect recipe for their poetic potions by telling them what you’ve found to make you happy at this year’s festival. A pinch of your favourite moments will bring their spell to life!
The Nutkins – Fool’s ParadiseSat & Sun 11.30-12noon, 1.30-2pm, 3-3.30pm
Woodland Wonderland
All ages
What3Words///remark.translated.crust
These two are positively nuts and cannot wait to meet you…  Mr and Mrs Nutkin love meeting new people and are always eager to forage for snacks and have a cheeky rifle through bags and baggage. Chosen by the young people from our Festival Club, they are eccentric, cheeky and adorably cuddly.
Party Animal Silent Disco – Urban KaosSat & Sun 10.30-11.30am, 12-1pm, 1.30-2.30pm, 3-3.45pm, 4.15-5pm
Woodland Wonderland
Ages 3+
What3Words///remark.translated.crust
Go wild at our woodland rave!  Grab a pair of headphones and dance yourself dizzy with Urban Kaos.  Our Silent Disco features a soundtrack chosen by young people in Redcar. 
Bug Creation Workshop – Pop-Up Cardboard Museum of Natural History from the FutureSunday only 10am-5pm
Inside the Museum
Ages 3+
What3Words///note.bared.late
Build your own beastie for our museum with Hollie Notman and Kat Lynas.
A hands-on, family friendly activity, using paper, scissors and a dollop of imagination, help us fill a Cardboard Pop-Up Museum with insects before it tours Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland this Autumn. Whether it’s a giant glitter butterfly or a peaceful paper moth, these creations will all become part of this exciting pop up exhibition.
Play Scape – Theatre HullabalooSat & Sun 10-5pm
Inside the Museum
Ages 0-7
What3Words///note.bared.late
Creative inside play for little ones from Theatre Hullabaloo.  Inspired by the local area.  Free with Museum Admission ticket.
Luminarium – Architects of AirThurs 21 Aug 10-7pm/ Fri 22 & Sat 23 10-6pm/ Sun 24 August 10am-5pm
Last entry half an hour before
Another incredible installation of amazing saturated light tunnels and domes to explore.  This year’s Daedelum Luminarium takes inspiration from Daedalus – the father of Icarum and the  architect of the labyrinth of King Minos of Crete. 
Tickets can be bought on the day of the festival at the wooden hut near the museum entrance.  Children £3.50/ adults from Redcar & Cleveland £3.50/ all other adults £5.50.  Or buy in advance here (with QR code to this website Luminarium 2025 – Between the Tides Festival – Architects of Air by Alan Parkinson at Kirkleatham Museum & Grounds event tickets from TicketSource)
The Luminarium is wheelchair accessible but prams and pushchairs must be left in the Buggy Park.
Puppet Petting Farm – Handmade TheatreSat & Sun 11-11.25am, 12.30-12.55pm, 3.15-3.40pm (BSL interpreted 12.30pm Sunday)
The Grove
All ages
What3Words///stays.tolls.scans
Come join us down on the farm for this adorable puppet show from HandMade Theatre. Featuring a wonderful collection of loveable animals from the cheeky goat to the giant highland cow. Featuring original music and songs, this is a fun-filled show suitable for the whole family.
The Turkey & The Caterpillar – Curious ArtsSat & Sun 12-12.30pm, 2-2.30pm, 4.15-4.45pm
Ages 3+
What3Words///scam.plots.same
“Once upon a time, perhaps a long time ago…” two friends discovered the power of celebrating being different.
 
A heartwarming and colourful performance for families, The Turkey and The Caterpillar follows two new friends as they embark on a journey, to honour being their true selves and learn the importance of standing by your friends through life’s changing seasons. 
 
Through joyful performance, lots of dancing and boundless imagination, the show supports young audiences to understand and embrace the many ways people can be their authentic selves and champion others to do the same.
 
Based on an original story by Ruth Mary Johnson.
Directed by Rachel Glover.
Produced by Curious Arts.
Ye Birdz – Chicks on SticksSat & Sun 12.30-1pm, 2.15-2.45pm
Chalkwalk
All ages
What3Words///former.home.organ
Ye Birdz are a magical walkabout act featuring two stunning stilt birds, live percussion and a captivating soundtrack by BORG.
Chalkwalk – Between the Tides imaginative playSat & Sun 10-5pm
What3Words///former.home.organ
Follow the chalk art as you wander from one site to another.  Why not get creative yourself and add your own illustrations to the chalkwalk?

Festival Fringe

This year, for the first time, we’ve introduced a fringe festival in venues across Redcar & Cleveland in the week running up to the festival.  All activities are free and there’s no need to book – just turn up and get a taste of what you can look forward to at Between the Tides.

EventDate, Time & LocationDescriptionPicture
Storytelling session – Umar ButtFri 15 August 10.30-12.30pm
Dormanstown Family Hub
Join this magical storytelling session with Tees Valley Artist of the year, Umar Butt, telling tales of wishes
Ages 0-5 and their families
Seaside storytelling & crafts – Lady Lemon TopTues 19 August  10am-12pm and 1-3pm
Loftus Library
Seaside storytelling with Lady Lemon Top plus artist led ice cream themed crafts. Your crafts will be showcased at the festival. HAF Funded Activity
Ages 3-7 and their grown ups 
Family dance workshop – TeesDanceWed 20 August, 1-3pm
Skelton Family Hub
Come and get active with a fun movement workshop with TeesDance.  Suitable for all ages and abilities.  
The Giant’s Picnic – Theatre HullabalooThurs 21 & Fri 22 August, 10am-3pm
South Bank Family Hub
Come and roll with a sausage or make a child sandwich!  Supersized food and supersized fun with The Giants Picnic by Theatre Hullabaloo. For ages 0-5
The Fisher and his Wife – Lempen Puppet TheatreFri 22 Aug
Redcar Library 11.00am
Beach Base, Majuba 1.30pm and 3pm
A very, very long time ago there lived a fisherman, together with his wife, in a small cottage made of dirty old metal. They had everything they ever needed and were happy and content. Then one day a talking fish starts granting them wishes… For ages 4+

Practical Bits

Between the Tides is spread across the grounds of Kirkleatham Walled Garden and Kirkleatham Museum.  It is approximately five minutes walk between the two. The side entrance to the Walled Garden will be open so please enter here.

Entry to the Walled Garden will be free on both days of the festival.

Car Parking

Car parking for the event is FREE on the Kirkleatham Showground. 

If you are coming from Redcar, enter via Kirkleatham Lane – the first entrance NOT the museum entrance.  If you are driving in via the A174, drive past the first entry marked for the museum, go straight over the roundabout and take the next turning on the right marked Kirkleatham Village. The entrance is marked on the map.

Disabled parking can be found at Kirkleatham Walled Garden.  Please note – there is no general parking for festival goers here.  

Public Toilets

There are public toilets and baby changing facilities at Kirkleatham Walled Garden and Kirkleatham Museum.  Additional toilets can be found near the Stage in Car Park 1 at the Museum.

Additional baby changing facilities can be found near Kirkleatham Owl Centre in our Between the Tides tipi.

Credits

Between the Tides is programmed and produced by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and supported financially by Arts Council England.

We are a touring network partner in Without Walls, a consortium of festivals and arts organisations bringing fantastic outdoor arts events to towns and cities across England.

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