The weekend like no other that is Festival of Thrift is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a packed programme as diverse, entertaining and inspiring as ever on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September.
Festival of Thrift’s trademark heady mix of performances, live music, workshops, talks and stalls selling an eclectic selection of food, drink and goods from ethical traders is once again heading to Kirkleatham near Redcar where thousands of festivalgoers are expected for the UK’s award-winning national celebration of sustainable living.
A giant mobile disco ball from Compact Disco (pictured at the top), Europe’s only all-female Mariachi band, Mariachi Las Adelitas (pictured above), a specially commissioned participatory dance performance from Lizzie Klotz and Luca Rutherford, upbeat and innovative classical Indian dance performance Jham! by Srishti, an appearance by Booker prize winning author Ben Okri, ‘On The Shore (Version 2)’ artwork by Culture Declares Emergency founders Ackroyd and Harvey and artists Yara and Davina’s ‘Arrivals and Departures’ installation (pictured below) are just some of the programme highlights.
Visitors of all ages can also get hands-on learning woodcraft skills sessions with Woodshed Workshop, appreciate the stunning designs at the ECOuture slow fashion showcase (picture from Festival of Thrift 2021 below), hear talks about our love of trees and the need to save indigenous insects, be part of a live link up with the Amazon, join in a family debating session about the climate crisis, dine al fresco at The Town is the Menu community meal, and book onto a range of workshops to make, create and pick up tips and tricks for thrifty living and canny budgeting.
To mark the festival’s tenth anniversary the Opening parade has been brought back to Redcar to start the festival with a bang on Friday evening. At 6.30 it will travel from Redcar’s Community Heart and end up for a finale event in the High Street.
Festival of Thrift’s Creative Director Stella Hall (pictured below) said that the tenth birthday event promises to be yet another unforgettable weekend.
“The past ten years have been extraordinary and it’s been wonderful to see the fun and enjoyment that Festival of Thrift has brought to so many people whilst tackling the serious issue of climate change. The event has always been full of smiles and our fabulous visitors learning, doing, creating and having a great time
“In the face of the cost-of-living crisis our celebration of sustainable living is especially relevant this year and our theme of our common wealth explores how we can work together to pick up skills and learn how to budget as we all face having to tighten our belts. We’re very proud to offer free entry so people can come along and have a great time without spending anything.”
Festival of Thrift takes place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September at Kirkleatham near Redcar. Entry is free. Parking costs £6 per car (which includes a £1 carbon offset contribution).
To see the full programme for the weekend click HERE and follow @festivalofthrift on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
Festival of Thrift is funded thanks to generous support from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the Arts Council of England and Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
