'Nova' By Studio Vertigo

Guided by the stars (and the audience), this comedic walkabout performance invites families to help the duo navigate their way using dot-to-dot star charts, bubbles, sea sounds and laughter.

In 1977, the twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft were launched, and they are still exploring interstellar space where nothing from Earth has flown before. It was like a time capsule for extraterrestrials, and this workshop is your chance to send a message on the same journey through space.

Katie Dyer is known for her hand-painted, nature-inspired illustrations, developed into prints for fashion, interiors, and gifts. Curious about life as a freelance artist or designer? Join Katie as she shares her journey.

In this demonstration, you will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of working with Jesmonite, including its unique properties and practical handling tips. We will also explore a variety of creative techniques.

Step into the streets of Hartlepool Headland and hear the voices of the people who call it home. As part of Wintertide Festival, artist Ben Phillips has worked with locals to capture their memories, myths and everyday stories, creating an immersive audio journey through the place we call home.

Constellations have long guided sailors across the seas and inspired poets and artists to dream among the stars. In this hands-on workshop with textile artist Holly Capstick, you’ll create your own night-sky-inspired artwork — a beautiful 6-inch textile hoop piece that’s truly one of a kind.

To launch the Young Producers Project, following our opening parade, we'll start the Festival's music programme off with a bang! Start Making Sense is a passionate, high-energy Talking Heads tribute band made up of ten dedicated young musicians with an average age of just 18.

Pause: Reimagined blends cutting-edge technology with visual artwork created by Hartlepool residents. Using photography, printmaking and abstract mark-making, participants explored their connection with place and time.

Decorate your own illuminated star, make a wish and add your message of hope or love and help us create a live constellation of stars in the Festival finale.

We’re thrilled to welcome Carley from The Little Silver Kiln back to Wintertide for a dazzling, hands-on silversmithing experience! Guided by Carley’s expert touch, you’ll create your own cosmic-inspired jewellery, capturing the shimmer of starlight and the mystery of the night sky.

Get into the festive spirit with our hands-on Lino Printed Christmas Card Workshop! Explore a variety of pre-cut Christmas lino designs and create your very own collection of unique Christmas cards.

Myth meets the modern North Sea in this powerful new project by SIDEQUEST. Reimagining the legend of Heracles through Hartlepool’s own stories of pride, friendship and everyday strength, familiar places become sites of modern myth. From boxing gyms to piers and car parks.

If you, or someone you know, loves bows as much as we do, join one of our 1-hour bite-sized bow-making workshops in the Art Studio.

Discover creativity at the Wintertide Makers Market, where local artists, designers, and independent makers bring their brightest creations to the heart of the Headland.

Imagine a star falling on the shore, and another star falling, a thousand stars all drifting down to shine on the night waves landing. Take a journey to the heart of a spiral galaxy and make a wish upon the stars.

The Nova sculpture is based on the mystical Star of the East, which astronomers now believe was actually a nova. As a spectator, you will feel like you are experiencing a nova or ”new” star - mighty and dazzling.