Families enjoyed a free day out with colourful costumes, interactive shows and a giant foam party.
Redcar’s annual Between the Tides festival returned to the Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds on Saturday (August 22) and Sunday (August 23).
Between the Tides Festival 2026.
(Image: DAVE CHARNLEY)
The free festival boasted an itinerary of outdoor theatre, interactive shows, and workshops.
Entertainment included an immersive water machine and live performers, including wild woodland trio ‘Chicks on Sticks’, who roamed the grounds on stilts dressed as a Stag, Bear, and drumming Squirrel.
Between the Tides Festival 2026.
(Image: DAVE CHARNLEY)
‘Dive into The Big Bubble Bash’ was the festival’s grand finale, where visitors could immerse themselves in a giant foam party.
Between the Tides Festival 2026.
(Image: DAVE CHARNLEY)
Children were all smiles as they splashed around in the suds.
Other attractions included the interactive labyrinth ‘Luminarium’, described as “a sanctuary inspired by sacred architecture”, and live show ‘Up in the Sky’ featuring six performers who flew through the sky, suspended from a seven-metre steel structure.
The first Between the Tides festival took place three years ago, and won ‘Best Event of the Year’ at the North East Cultural Awards in 2025.
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It is produced by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council with the financial backing of the Arts Council England.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, said: “I would like to start by thanking everyone who has been working hard year after year to bring this festival to life. There is a lot of work that goes behind the scene to allow people to experience everything Between the Tides has to offer. This is a very special event and I was glad to see people enjoying themselves.”
A ‘festival fringe’, aimed at teenagers, also took place on Tuesday, August 18. New for 2026, it featured pop-up performances and creative experiences on Redcar High Street.
Between the Tides Festival 2026.
(Image: DAVE CHARNLEY)