One of the region’s finest festivals – The Festival of Thrift – returns to Billingham once again this September for an action packed weekend of free events, with the emphasis firmly on sustainability, culture and style.

Introduction

There is no festival in the north-east that is quite like The Festival of Thrift, and I doubt there’s many – if any – in the UK. Because while the festival exists to promote sustainability, by exploring topics around nature, climate and the environment, it is also brimming with thrilling outdoor performances and installations (including 10 north-east premieres) and dozens of hands-on workshops. And this year over 90 ethically sourced stalls from independent traders and makers will be in evidence, too. It’s all taking place over two different zones: Billingham Town Centre, which will become Slow Fashion Alley, and John Whitehead Park, which will be turned into a celebration of the natural world through performance, dance, adventure and enchanting tales from around the world. And so, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at those two main festival hubs.

Slow Fashion Alley, Billingham Town Centre

Attention all you style kittens and natty hounds! The Slow Fashion Alley is your gateway to sustainable style, self-expression and conscious fashion choices. (And – hey! – if you’re into music, there will be second-hand record stalls in Billingham Library.) Among the highlights this year I’d recommend you particularly look out for Pan~// Catwalk by Zwermers

. This will see two performers, accompanied by a one-man orchestra, wearing an endless stream of different outfits down the slow catwalk, playing with our tendency to label, categorise and judge people based on their clothing, in a celebration of fluidity and self-expression. Also look out for life is short. buy that dress by Directie & Co. This is about fast fashion and overconsumption with a gigantic mountain of clothes in the leading role… If you fancy unleashing your inner fashionista then get to Best in Show. Dress to impress and walk the catwalk in your finest thrifty attire, vintage treasures and sustainable gems. And make sure you watch out for We Great Ladies who will award Best in Show rosettes throughout the day to stylish individuals. Charity Super.Mkt is a curated collection of quality, second-hand fashion and accessories, brought to you by the UK’s best charity retailers, while at SWAPSHOP by Teesside Hospice, bring your unwanted fashion items and accessories to this ever-popular swap event.

John Whitehead Park

The park this year will be packed with amazing events for all ages, with 13 performances and installations each day, exploring nature and environmental themes. Among the “must sees” this year are Bamboo by NoFit State (pictured). This truly world-class circus – using only bamboo and human bodies – will be revealing the fragility and beauty of our interconnected life on this planet. Another “do not miss” is World Kiosk by Variable Matter. This award-winning artist collective will be presenting a street kiosk installation where you can sip tea while listening to stories collected from communities all over world – including Billingham. Listen and connect with the life journeys of what makes people who they are. Hydropunk by Artizani is a chaotic and playful water machine full of games and puzzles, with a powerful environmental message. With only 1000 litres of water to work with, people must work together to conserve and recycle the water. The Hide by Tilly Ingram Theatre is a live solo performance audio installation where birdwatching meets non-visible disability. Artist Tilly Ingram shares her love of birdwatching, her struggles as a woman with a non-visible disability and the story of a disabled white-tailed eagle. More highlights? Cop for The Museum of Memorable Trees by Harry Pizzey (an immersive art installation accompanied by sound exploring the deep connections people have with trees), Early Weaves by Ascension Dance (two friends embark on a journey using willow, sound and movement to create magic, laughter and play – for early years children), Like a Tree by Hocus Pocus Theatre (a magical story based on climate change themes told with handmade puppets and a vintage pram puppet theatre) and Mud Plant Rave by Institute of Thrifty Ideas (a new piece by the creative team behind Festival of Thrift featuring original work by award winning poet Helen Mort and Newcastle-based sound artist Me Lost Me. This will see audiences immersed into the world of the Mud Ravers as they reconnect with the natural world through ritual, movement and community. Structured as a journey through a plant’s lifecycle, it invites people to reflect, move and deeply engage with the environment and each other).

Festival of Thrift, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September, Billingham Town Centre and John Whitehead Park, Free. For more information visit: festivalofthrift.co.uk