Five acrobats perform an aerial routine above a transparent, illuminated glass structure suspended in the air, with black background and stage lights shining from above. Five acrobats perform an aerial routine above a transparent, illuminated glass structure suspended in the air, with black background and stage lights shining from above.
A performer dressed as a mermaid balances on a tightrope whilst two assistants watch. A circus tent and a crowd are visible in the background on a sunny day. A performer dressed as a mermaid balances on a tightrope whilst two assistants watch. A circus tent and a crowd are visible in the background on a sunny day.
A group of people in earthy-toned clothing sit on the ground in a park, raising their arms and tossing sand into the air, surrounded by trees and other people in the background. A group of people in earthy-toned clothing sit on the ground in a park, raising their arms and tossing sand into the air, surrounded by trees and other people in the background.
A pair of hands gently holds a wooden vessel engraved with a symbol and the words TENDER EXCHANGE against a pink gradient background. A pair of hands gently holds a wooden vessel engraved with a symbol and the words TENDER EXCHANGE against a pink gradient background.
Five men perform an expressive contemporary dance outdoors in a city square, with a crowd of people watching in the background. The dancers wear casual clothing and appear deeply focused on their movements. Five men perform an expressive contemporary dance outdoors in a city square, with a crowd of people watching in the background. The dancers wear casual clothing and appear deeply focused on their movements.
Two older adults stand side by side in a tall grassy field. The woman wears a red headband, blue shirt, and brown trousers; the man holds a tall stick and wears a blue jacket, red shirt, and brown trousers. Bushes and sky are in the background. Two older adults stand side by side in a tall grassy field. The woman wears a red headband, blue shirt, and brown trousers; the man holds a tall stick and wears a blue jacket, red shirt, and brown trousers. Bushes and sky are in the background.
People sit and relax on grass near several pushchairs in front of large illuminated letters spelling SIRF against a brick and white wall, with fairy lights above, suggesting a festive outdoor event. People sit and relax on grass near several pushchairs in front of large illuminated letters spelling SIRF against a brick and white wall, with fairy lights above, suggesting a festive outdoor event.
Three men sitting on a sofa against a green wall. The man on the left wears a patterned outfit and cap, the man in the middle wears a patterned shirt and smiles, and the man on the right wears a black outfit and points forward. Three men sitting on a sofa against a green wall. The man on the left wears a patterned outfit and cap, the man in the middle wears a patterned shirt and smiles, and the man on the right wears a black outfit and points forward.

31 July – 2 Aug 2026: XTRAX at Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) UK

XTRAX partners annually with Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) to deliver a showcase and professional networking events alongside the festival.
  • Dates: Friday 31 July - Sunday 2 Aug 2026: Stockton on Tees, UK.

XTRAX partners annually with Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) to deliver a showcase and professional networking events alongside the free outdoor festival.

31 Jul – 2 Aug 2026: XTRAX at Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) UK

XTRAX partners annually with SIRF, one of the UK’s leading outdoor arts festivals, and a vital platform for international exchange and creative collaboration.

XTRAX in partnership with OutdoorArtsUK and Without Walls present a professional showcase and networking programme alongside the festival, held at ARC Stockton Arts Centre, UK.

This year we offer even more opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and discovering ambitious new work. Including:

  • A curated showcase of more than 30 leading-edge street arts, circus, dance, music, installations and interactive projects
  • 7 new Without Walls commissions 
  • International artists from France, Catalonia, Netherlands, Australia, Ireland and across the UK
  • Opening and closing shows 
  • Extensive professional networking programme

Short Film: XTRAX International Exchange at SIRF 2025

 

XTRAX Professional Programme 2026

The XTRAX professional programme brings together the international outdoor arts community, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and offering avenues for creative collaboration.

With participation from Australia, Taiwan, France, Spain, Japan and across the UK, the 2026 programme offers a genuinely global platform for festival programmers, producers, and arts organisations to connect with one another and identify opportunities for international touring and co-production.

Delegates have the opportunity to discuss pressing issues facing outdoor arts today, while experiencing ambitious new work from UK and international artists.

Whether you are looking to programme new work, connect with industry colleagues, or simply immerse yourself in future-shaping conversations, join us in Stockton, UK!

The professional programme in partnership with OutdoorArtsUK and includes:

Friday 31 July 2026: Informal Networking Session (details to be confirmed)

Saturday 1 August 2026 | 10:00 – 12:00

  • Panel Discussion: Culture, Identity and Belonging in the Streets

Presented in partnership with OutdoorArtsUK. Chaired by Dr. Beatriz Garcia, a specialist in mega events and cultural policy.

Panel Focus: Public space is increasingly shaped by politics, identity, and competing claims of belonging. This session explores how outdoor arts navigate these tensions while remaining inclusive and welcoming.

Sunday 2 August 2026 | 10:00  – 12:00: XTRAX Shorts: Artists Pitch Sessions

Presented in partnership with Without Walls. UK and international artists will pitch new work that has been developed and is ready for touring.

XTRAX are pleased to be able to offer international presenters a hotel room to attend SIRF for the nights of 31 July to 2 August 2026.  To request a room, please email sophia@xtrax.org.uk

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, SIRF 2025.

 

SiRF logo in large colorful letters, with STOCKTON INTERNATIONAL RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL written below in blue, green, and pink text.

SIRF 2025 programme of events

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________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.

 

Black and white logo featuring the Arts Council England emblem, a hand with crossed fingers, and text stating Lottery Funded and Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.The image displays the text Delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council with a blue circular wave logo to the left of the councils name. The text and logo are on a light background.Text logo reading Outdoor Arts uk with each word in a different color (dark blue, pink, teal, yellow) on a light peach oval background.Black text reads Without Walls next to a stylized W logo with a wavy, abstract design, all on a white background.

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Short Film from 2025