The summer 2026 touring season is just about coming to a close and what a season it’s been! Activate are Producers for three touring companies – Tilly Ingram Theatre, The Working Boys Club and Lorna Rees Company – and since May this year they have featured at a staggering 21 festivals.
From our friends in Bournemouth at Arts by the Sea festival to the Big Malarky in Hull, from Barnsley’s Big Weekend to Sziget Festival in Hungary, these companies have presented their work in fields, libraries, town centres and nature reserves.
Audiences have been moved by Tilly Ingram’s The Hide, listened in wonder at Lorna Rees’ Canopy and made music at the Serving Sounds bar and the Noisy Noise Noise bookcase from The Working Boys Club.
Tilly Ingram said, “As a disabled artist, Activate’s support has made a huge impact on how my show goes out and allows me to focus on being an artist.”
Activate manages the booking and production of these tours, overseeing contracts, fee negotiations, travel and logistics, while ensuring artists and crew are well supported throughout. By taking these shows on the road, thousands more people have been able to access high-quality performing arts experiences, while Dorset creatives have showcased their talent across the UK and internationally. Some journeys have been particularly ambitious, with 1,000 driving miles for The Working Boys Club to perform at Sziget Festival in Hungary! Whether further afield or closer to home, the talents of these Dorset artists have been enjoyed by thousands.
Jenna Hubbard, Activate’s Producer for Outdoor Arts and Touring, said, “Each festival is different, so we have to work in an agile way to ensure each show is produced to a high standard. From chasing contracts to loading vans, every day is different.”
The Working Boys Club have got one last gig at Books Alive Festival in Southport on 29 and 30 October. And we’re already fielding enquiries for festivals in 2027.
Find out more about all our touring work on our Touring page.