Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd November
Across Hartlepool Headland
Who are we?
Hartlepool Wintertide Festival is more than just an event, it’s a celebration of community, creativity and connection. Curated by local residents Rachel Laycock, Emma Wheetman, and Vicky Jackson. As artists and community arts practitioners, we are deeply committed to ensuring Wintertide amplifies local voices, showcases talent and creates space for everyone to be part of something extraordinary.
Meet the Team
Hartlepool Wintertide Festival is more than just an event, it’s a celebration of community, creativity and connection. Curated by local residents Rachel Laycock, Emma Wheetman, and Vicky Jackson. As artists and community arts practitioners, we are deeply committed to ensuring Wintertide amplifies local voices, showcases talent and creates space for everyone to be part of something extraordinary.
In 2024, the festival moved to a biennial format to allow for deeper engagement, longer creative development, and more opportunities for artists, businesses, and communities to shape its future.
With significant investment from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, the team is balancing large-scale artistic ambition with meaningful community connection, ensuring Wintertide continues to bring moments of wonder and a lasting cultural impact on Hartlepool.
The Wintertide Team
Vicky, Emma and Rachel
Our Team
Emma Wheetman
Emma works primarily in surface design, with a particular interest in the exploration of pattern and form through digital, print and ceramic processes.
She has a history of working in the education, community and social care sectors and as a volunteer youth worker. Emma is co-founder and director of BloomInArt, a community arts organisation which was established in 2014. She is passionate about the arts, culture and the importance of social connection.
An artist, producer, proud parent and dog lover.
Likes: Walks in nature, talking!
Loves: Dancing (badly) and anything wonky.
Niggles: Straight lines.
Rachel Laycock
Rachel Laycock is an artist who has worked with glass for nearly two decades, creating kiln-formed and sculptural works that explore themes of emotion, memory and wellbeing. With an MA in kiln glass and a professional practice established in 2006, Rachel combines creativity with care using art as a mindful process to connect, reflect and heal.
Alongside her studio practice, she is Co-Director of BloomInArt CIC, a community arts organisation dedicated to delivering creative projects that inspire learning, connection and positive change. Rachel supports learners at all levels, encouraging confidence and curiosity through making, pushing boundaries and not being scared to fail.
Likes: All things sparkly.
Loves: Having time to get ready, like really ready.
Niggles: People telling me what to do - even myself.
Vicky Jackson
Vicky‘s background is in performing arts and she has returned to performing herself after a 20+ year background in education in Hartlepool. Also working as a creative producer on community projects, she is a co-director of Jack of Hearts CIC, which uses storytelling and the arts to inspire.
She is passionate about bringing stories to life, the importance of play and preserving local heritage.
Likes: To be by the seaside.
Loves: Shakespeare and Madonna.
Become a volunteer
Support our team to deliver a vibrant and energetic Wintertide Festival.
Please follow the links below to find out more information and sign up.
Working in partnership with Tees Valley Festivals Volunteering to provide amazing opportunities to be part of Wintertide Festival’s magic.
