Short Film: XTRAX International Exchange at SIRF 2025
XTRAX partners annually with Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) to deliver a showcase and professional networking events alongside the free outdoor festival.
SAVE THE DATE: 31 July – 2 Aug 2026 (tbc), Stockton-On-Tees, UK. Full details to be announced and bookings open in 2026.
In 2025, the professional programme took place from during the first weekend in August, and was organised in association with OutdoorArtsUK & Without Walls, it included:
- XTRAX Shorts: 9 artists pitched 10 new works in development (see below)
- Panel discussions about international collaborations
- Networking meetings and opportunities
A rich artistic programme of live outdoor arts shows was presented – street arts, circus, dance, music, installations and interactive projects from UK and international artists – including:
- 54 shows in the SIRF programme from Belgium, Catalonia, France, South Korea and the UK
- 7 new commissions from Without Walls
- Large scale opening and closing shows
As a disabled woman with a non-visible disability I just want to say I felt such an improvement in access from previous year. And to keep going, made such a difference. – Tilly Ingram, Artist, UK
A total of 95 delegates attended. They were predominantly from the UK, with guests from Japan, Portugal, New Zealand, Netherlands, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Korea.
OutdoorArtsUK in association with XTRAX presented panel discussions about international collaboration in outdoor arts projects – trends and challenges.
Photo: Panel Discussion at SIRF 2025
Without Walls in association with XTRAX presented XTRAX Shorts: A platform for artists to share information about new work or projects in development.
I loved the diversity and quality of the program, as well as the vibe of the festival. I was also impressed by how much local people are involved. There were so many opportunities for spontaneous moments and interaction between the audience and the artists — without it ever feeling forced. I also had the pleasure of meeting many inspiring people, and I am grateful for all the connections made. – Maartje de Boer, Rapunzel Festival, Netherlands
Find out more about the 2025 programme here.
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Information for International Presenters in 2026: XTRAX can suggest local hotels in Stockon-On-Tees UK, for international presenters’ accommodation at the festival (see below). Details for 2026 will be issued when the programme of events is announced and booking registrations open.
Edinburgh Festival runs from 7 – 31 August 2026. Why not attend SIRF before traveling to Edinburgh which is 2h.40minutes by train from Stockton (Thornaby station).
Travelling to Stockton-on-Tees, UK.
By Train: The nearest train station to get to the ARC and Festival events is Thornaby, or you can go to Stockton Station. Stockton On Tees (Thornaby Station) is 2h 30min by train from Edinburgh if you are visiting for Edinburgh Festival, and 3 hours by train from London Kings Cross and connections to Eurostar. There are direct trains to Thornaby from Manchester Airport (2h 43min) https://www.thetrainline.com
By Air: The nearest airport is Teesside International Airport in Durham, with flights connecting to Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. The airport is only a 10-minutes train ride away from Stockton-on-Tees city centre. Manchester airport is also well connected to Stockton-on-Tees, with frequent direct trains running from the airport to Thornaby station in just under 3h. Newcastle Airport is 1.5 hours from Thornaby or Middlesbrough stations by train. If you would like further advice on travelling to Stockton-on-Tees, please do not hesitate to contact info@xtrax.org.uk or go to www.rome2rio.com for advice on your itinerary.
Accommodation suggestions for 2026
- Premier Inn hotels at Stockton on Tees (Preston Farm) and Stockton on Tees (Teeside).
- Premier Inn in Middlesbrough Town Centre which is a short taxi ride or a 5 minute train journey from Thornaby Station.
- Hampton by Hilton in Stockton Town Centre.
Photo Credit: TBC
