“In Conversation: The future of community-led Festivals

As local festivals evolve towards greater independence, how can they continue to grow and thrive? This interactive panel discussion brings together festival organisers, producers and directors who have successfully transitioned to community-led models to discuss how to strengthen local ownership, resilience and co-creation in our festivals.

Following arts festivals in Lincolnshire and in the Humberside area, this session offers a continuation of exploring how festivals across the region can develop sustainably while staying rooted in their communities.

Join us for this free event as our panel shares insights on how to nurture community involvement, sustain engaging events, and celebrate the power of community-led creativity.

Hosted by Katie-Lou Green, the panel features representatives from No Limits Festival, Freedom Festival, SOFestival and Rooted Arts in Lincoln. The session offers a rich mix of perspectives and practical experiences with opportunities to ask questions, share ideas, and join the discussion.

This event is part of Festival of the Sea Grimsby’s 2026, as it moves into becoming a community-owned event.

Check out some of the panelists confirmed so far - more will be revealed soon.

Freedom Festival - Phil Hargreaves (Festival Director) (he/him)

Phil is an award-winning cultural leader dedicated to creating artistic programmes that centre community voices and expand public access to exceptional art. His work, from Bradford’s UK City of Culture bid to BD:Festival, BD:IsLiT, and collaborations with artists, prioritises meaningful engagement and the development of work rooted in local experience. As Festival Director of Freedom Festival in Hull, he leads projects inspired by the abolitionist movement that champion social justice and amplify underheard communities.

The Rabbit Hole/"creActiv" CIC - Nick Webb (Festival Co-founder) (he/him) Nick is a former full-time teacher with over twenty years’ experience in Humanities, Creative Arts, and school management overseeing Inclusion and Learning in both mainstream and alternative education. Building on a lifelong involvement in festivals and music events, he co-founded The Rabbit Hole Independent Community Bookshop in 2018 and The No Limits Festival in 2019, both centred on creativity and active community participation.

Host - Katie-Lou Green (She / Her)

Katie-Lou is an arts and events professional with nearly two decades of experience delivering creative and cultural projects across the UK, with a focus on inclusive, memorable experiences that connect people through culture and empower community engagement. Based in North East Lincolnshire, she supports both grassroots creativity and large-scale events, bringing hands-on expertise to discussions on the opportunities, challenges, and future possibilities for festivals.

Rooted Arts CIC - Chelsey Everatt (Founding Director and Cultural Producer) (she/her)

Chelsey Everatt is a cultural producer and Founding Director of Rooted Arts CIC, creating participatory arts and festival projects that connect communities and celebrate creativity. She has led events of all scales across her previous roles at North Lincolnshire Council, Nottingham City Council and as a freelancer across Greater Lincolnshire and further afield. She is passionate about championing cultural democracy and co-creation.

Date: Wednesday 3 December

Times: 4:00 - 5:30pm, followed by drinks and networking till 6:30pm Location: Docks Academy, First Floor, The Church, King Edward St, Grimsby DN31 3JD Accessibility: The venue is accessible via stairs or the lift. The audience area is completely accessible.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired by those leading the way in community-driven festivals.

Book your FREE tickets now! Spaces are limited.