Stockton International Riverside Festival

Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) is an annual free outdoor arts and street theatre festival in Stockton-on-Tees.

Taking place over in early August, it attracts international artists performing to thousands of spectators each year. It showcases outstanding international street theatre, dance, circus and music acts with a packed programme of shows for all the family.

SIRF is supported by Arts Council England and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

Impact on Local Communities

The first Stockton International Riverside Festival was held in August 1988. Seeking inspiration from European festivals in Holland, France and Spain, SIRF soon became an outdoor art spectacular with a focus on international performers and companies.

SIRF is organised by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and beneath the performances lies a hidden year round programme of planning, technical expertise, professional collaboration and Council-wide support. At the heart of SIRF are our dedicated audiences that have been coming to the festival for many years and the serious seekers of new trends in street theatre. Our hopes for the future of the festival are centred round championing and presenting the best international street performances, supporting artists and companies to make great shows and inviting audiences to enjoy and actively participate in events. And, of course, to remain the world’s best international festival of outdoor art.

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