Outdoor Protest, Peace and Unity DJ Sets
We’re excited to welcome the team behind Wakefield’s Vinyl Social to curate and play a special set that journeys through decades of music that have inspired protest, peace, and solidarity. From the soul anthems of the civil rights movement to reggae rhythms calling for justice, punk’s cries for change, and modern LGBTQAI+ songs that continue the fight for freedom – each song is a reminder of the role music plays in bringing people together and giving voice to the voiceless.
Alongside the live set, you can download our specially curated Freedom Festival playlist, packed with iconic tracks that have powered movements for change around the world. Take it home, share it, and let the spirit of the day play on long after the music fades.
Live Djembe Drumming workshops and performance
Feel the pulse of African rhythm with an uplifting drop-in workshop and live performance from Ali Bullivant and two talented Zimbabwean musicians. Throughout the day, they’ll fill The Art House with the sound of djembe and percussion, offering everyone the chance to join in, learn the basics, and experience the joy of making music together.
The three musicians will also perform as a group, blending powerful beats and vibrant melodies that celebrate community, culture, and connection. Whether you’re drumming, dancing, or just listening, you’ll feel the energy of unity in every beat.
Carnival DJ Sets
Get ready to move with Callaloo Carnival Arts’ DJ, bringing the vibrant sound of carnival to The Art House. We’ll shine a spotlight on the irresistible rhythms of soca – music born from resistance and revolution.
Emerging in the Caribbean as a joyful yet defiant response to oppression, soca is far more than carnival music: it’s a rallying cry for liberation, solidarity, and cultural pride. Its infectious beats remind us that joy can be revolutionary – and that celebration itself can be an act of protest, uniting people
across cultures and borders.