Award-nominated free festival returns to Goole

Josh Gorroño ChapmanEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageRobling Photography Four children gathers around a table, closely examining small objects illuminated by colorful, low light.Robling Photography
Some of the workshops are run by students from a chosen primary school each year

An award-nominated family theatre and arts festival is returning to Goole this weekend.

Takeover Festival, run by Junction Goole, works with a local primary school each year, giving pupils the chance to take charge of the event.

This year's theme, chosen by the Young Producers, is animals and minibeasts.

The free festival starts at 18:00 BST and runs from 13:30 to 17:00 on Saturday.

News imageJunction Goole A bright, jungle-themed poster advertises Takeover Festival 2026, a free family arts and theatre event celebrating “Animals & Minibeasts.” It features playful illustrated creatures, tropical leaves, and bold text saying "TAKEOVER FESTIVAL 2026 FRI 1 MAY, 6PM, SAT 2 MAY, 1.30PM-5PM"Junction Goole
Students helped design and create marketing materials to advertise the festival

The festival is the culmination of work that began in October.

Creative engagement officer Bruce Wadsworth said from managing a budget to designing marketing materials, the students had been "a fantastic bunch".

"I'd like to say a huge well done to the Young Producers this year and I'm really excited to see the culmination of their efforts."

The programme includes theatre, music and creative activities, all selected by the year 5 and 6 pupils of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Goole.

Visitors can experience a travelling puppet zoo, roaming jellyfish and a mix of sensory art installations and nature-inspired creative workshops.

As well as seeing "the fruits of their labour at the festival", the students get to be a part of the running of it, welcoming the companies, gaining front of house experience and manning craft stalls.

At the end of the process, participants gain an arts award qualification they can take forward in their school careers.

For some of those involved, the project is not only their first time producing, but their first time experiencing live theatre.

News imageScarlet Oak Theatre Two performers hold and manipulate a detailed turquoise lizard puppet under theatrical stage lighting. The scene focuses on the puppet’s expressive design against a dark, uncluttered background.Scarlet Oak Theatre
The festival puts pupils at the centre of how the event is shaped and delivered

Nominated for Fantastic For Families Best Family Arts Activity Award in 2025, the festival is supported by Arts Council England and Goole Town Council.

The festival is free but some sessions will require advance booking due to limited capacity.

More details about the programme are available on Junction Goole's website.

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