Wintertide is an independent outdoor festival which takes place in and around the streets on the Hartlepool Headland, a coastal town steeped in history, heritage, culture and folklore.

Working at a grassroots level on the Headland in Hartlepool, Wintertide is rooted in the community. The festival creates opportunities for established and emerging artists to showcase their talent and shine a light on Hartlepool, transforming the familiar into the extraordinary.

Wintertide Festival takes place biennially, with a year-round programme of community-driven events that connects our communities, creates a sense of pride and builds moments of wonder and shared smiles. Our centerpiece is the live 3-day event which transforms the Headland with large scale installations, a community parade, day and night art trails, pop-up exhibitions, performances, creative workshops, an artisan market and exciting live music programme.

Wintertide Festival ask that everyone uses their best judgement. If you are feeling unwell, please take a lateral flow test. If you test positive for COVID-19, please do not attend the festival.

Wintertide is free to enter, and most of our installations, parades and activities are not ticketed. However, we do have some workshops, activities and music events which require a ticket (some are chargeable and some are pay what you decide). Please refer to the Festival programme on our website for individual event details, where you can also purchase tickets.