The Freedom Festival is a blend of street theatre, music, comedy and performance aimed at a wide audience of all ages. It celebrates -- through artistic and cultural expression -- Hull’s independent spirit and historic contribution to the cause of freedom and is the annual highlight of the city’s artistic and cultural programme. The festival has brought renowned national and international artists to Hull, including Florence & the Machine, Foals and La Compagnie Carabosse, while providing significant opportunities for local and regional talent. First line-up announcements for 2013 have revealed a UK-first performance of Transe Express's Les Tambours de la Muerte (based loosely on the Mexican ‘Day of the Dead’ festival). Get set to witness an electrifying procession and epic, crazy mix of skeletons, drums, pyrotechnics and dance -- it's like nothing you've ever seen before! The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show has also been announced to hit the Freedom Pier stage on the festival's opening night, promising to get the crowds strutting their stuff, and there are many more acts are still to be revealed.