The Festival of Thrift drew thousands to Billingham in the Tees Valley this weekend, celebrating sustainable living with a packed programme of creative activities, workshops, and entertainment.
The event took over Billingham town centre and the adjoining John Whitehead Park, showcasing the festival’s signature blend of sustainability and community spirit.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, festivalgoers enjoyed a dynamic schedule of events, from talks to hands-on workshops led by artists, makers, and menders. Thirteen Housing’s free drop-in workshops introduced visitors to practical mending, repurposing, and eco-friendly skills. Activities included zine making, Japanese-inspired denim repair, lino printing, eco beauty products, and fermenting, providing visitors with skills to take home and try themselves.
The Camp Thrift playground was a popular spot for children and adults alike, offering old-school fun with den building and slacklining. Boxville by Cardboard Adventures gave participants a taste of cardboard engineering, adding to the weekend’s interactive charm.
Nearby in the Imagined Meadow area, Leap then Look’s “100 miles of String” launched in the north, inviting visitors to contribute to a unique woven installation that marked the festival’s communal vibe.
At the new Base Camp at Thrift stage, emerging and established musicians performed all weekend, selected by the festival’s creative partner, Base Camp Industries. Musicians also played from the town’s bandstand, adding a lively soundtrack to the festival’s atmosphere.
In Slow Fashion Alley, visitors explored sustainable style through fashion shows, a Charity Supermarket, and Teesside Hospice’s Swapshop, offering a chance to exchange fashion items and accessories. Talks and discussions covered topics like music, fashion, identity, and the natural world, with a Saturday highlight featuring local musician Paul Smith of Maximo Park in conversation with Festival of Thrift Co-founder Wayne Hemingway, discussing music and growing up in the north.
Dominic Somers, Co-Creative Director of the festival, reflected on the weekend: “It’s been an incredible experience filled with joy and community. It’s wonderful to see people of all ages participating and celebrating thrift together. We’re already planning next year’s event and can’t wait to bring the Festival of Thrift back to Billingham.”
For more information about Festival of Thrift, its year-round programme, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.festivalofthrift.co.uk, or follow @festivalofthrift on Facebook and Instagram and @FestoThrift on Twitter.
The festival was made possible thanks to support from Arts Council England, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, and the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
Photo Credit: Drazen Priganica & Credit James Mulkeen
