The award‑winning Between the Tides festival returns with a spectacular weekend of free outdoor fun for children and their grown‑ups. Once again set in the beautiful grounds of Kirkleatham, this year’s festival expands even further—transforming the historic village and walled garden into a vibrant world of theatre, puppetry, circus, dance, storytelling and live music.

New for 2026, the festival brings an extra day of activities especially for teens on Tuesday 18 August, taking over Redcar High Street with exciting pop‑up performances and creative experiences.

This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with an extended festival footprint at Kirkleatham to make room for magical woodland adventures. Expect all the favourite highlights from last year—the big bubble foam finale, party animal woodland disco, interactive chalk walk, and fantastical walkabout characters—alongside an incredible line‑up of shows suitable for all ages.

Festival Highlights:

• Disorder of Knights – Tit for Tat. Thrilling juggling, comedy, and theatrical circus.  And fire.  Lots of fire!
• Up in the Sky – Autin Dance. Commissioned by Between the Tides and TeesDance, this is a joyful, high-impact aerial show performed on a striking 7-metre circular structure. Peer high up into the sky as six performers soar, spin and fly through a heartwarming story of belonging, adventure and home.
• Hydro Punk – Artizani. Taps, valves, pipes, pumps, sprays, and leaks come together to form a chaotic, yet playful water machine full of games and puzzles.
• The Ugly Bug Wingding – Enter Edem. A mesmerising jubilee for your eyes and ears! Enter a magical miniature world of enticing insects and colourful creatures on their way to an un-bee-lievable party!
• Luminarium – Architects of Air. A welcome return for this incredible light filled inflatable experience.
• Join the party animals forest take over – with a silent woodland disco, costumes to wear and a fabulous musical experience.
• Dive into The Big Bubble Bash. A highlight of last year’s festival, the foam party finale is the perfect messy end to a festival that is all about having fun.

Plus workshops, street food pick and mix market, live music and walkabouts.