The UK is set to become the centre of the international outdoor arts and circus world as FRESH STREET#5 comes to Great Yarmouth for the first time. Running from May 28th to 30th 2025, this major global conference will bring together leading artists, policymakers, and cultural innovators to shape the future of outdoor arts.
Organised by Circostrada Network and Out There Arts, in partnership with Outdoor Arts UK, Arts Council England, HH Producties and Without Walls, this marks the UK’s debut hosting of the world’s most significant gathering dedicated to outdoor arts and circus.
The event takes place alongside the renowned Out There International Festival of Outdoor Arts and Circus running from the 28th – 31st May. The Festival includes 150 performances, including 18 world and UK premiers by 55 international and national artistic companies, andis expected to draw over 50,000 attendees.
This announcement comes at a pivotal time for the UK’s cultural sector, as arts funding, accessibility, and community regeneration are high on the national agenda. With Great Yarmouth’s growing reputation as the UK’s Capital of Circus and its status as home to the National Centre for Outdoor Arts and Circus, FRESH STREET#5 is poised to reinforce the town as a major cultural hub.
“Hosting FRESH STREET#5 in the UK for the first time is not just an honour, but an opportunity to put outdoor arts and circus at the forefront of discussions on public space, creativity, and cultural recovery,” said Joe Mackintosh, CEO of Out There Arts. “This is more than an industry event—it’s a celebration of the power of outdoor arts to transform communities, economies, and the way we engage with culture.”
High-Profile Voices and Global Talent
The conference will feature keynote speakers, interactive discussions, and performances from world-leading outdoor arts practitioners. Special guests will include legendary artist Brian Eno (whose Hard Art collective of artists, scientists and environmentalists is also more widely engaged with Out There Arts, promoting creative environmentalism and working with local residents to transform streetscapes). Other speakers include international festival directors, renowned circus performers and leading voices in cultural policy, making this an unmissable event for anyone invested in the future of the arts.
“I’m a Suffolk boy so Great Yarmouth has always been in my mind. It’s an extraordinary place and now has this extraordinary festival and an emerging arts scene” said Brian Eno.
“I was amazed to discover a huge Portuguese and Brazilian community here – you step into a cafe and you’re in Portugal! In the middle of this very diverse neighbourhood you have an unusual National Centre for Circus and Outdoor Arts producing an enormous free festival in public space and hosting the world’s biggest gathering of street arts festival producers.”
“It’s not what you expect to find here and I want to help champion it.”
“Experiencing and participating in art is central to enriching our individual human experiences and sharing these together free and in public space transforms a community and bonds us. This is valuable everywhere but especially in places like this, this is where ‘Hard Art’ most needs to happen – it’s what can truly Make Yarmouth Great Again!” continues Brian Eno.
The programme of speakers covers a wide geographical area, across continents. Cultural professionals from India, Mexico, South Africa, United States of America and Europe – bringing individual perspectives from unique social movements and experiences.
Beyond performances, FRESH STREET#5 will tackle pressing issues in the arts, including:
- The role of outdoor arts in cultural regeneration—particularly in coastal towns and areas of least engagement.
- Post-Brexit international collaborations—how UK artists can continue to engage with global networks.
- Equity and access—ensuring public arts remain inclusive and sustainable for future generations.
Exclusive Media Opportunities
Media representatives are invited to exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes access to FRESH Street #5. High-impact visuals, from large-scale performances to intimate artist showcases, will be available for press coverage.
Registration & Further Information
Registration for FRESH STREET#5 opens in March 2025. Professionals, policymakers, and cultural sector workers are encouraged to secure their place at this landmark event shaping the future of outdoor arts.
