Free ETCH creative networking event comes to Loftus

Free creative network ETCH adds a new Loftus meet-up to its Tees Valley map

ETCH is bringing its free creative networking format to Loftus on 9 September, adding another place for artists, makers and creative people to meet without a paywall.

By The Tees · 28 August 2026

ETCH Loftus promotional image for the free creative networking event Image: ETCHOriginal source

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A free network for creative people is adding a new stop in East Cleveland, with ETCH heading to Loftus for a morning meet-up in September.

The session takes place at Loftus Arts on West Road on Wednesday 9 September, from 10am to 11.30am. ETCH says all of its events are free to attend, although places need to be booked in advance.

The network already runs meet-ups across Darlington, Stockton, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar, creating informal spaces for artists, makers and other creative people to swap ideas, make contacts and find possible collaborators.

The Loftus event matters because creative networking often clusters around bigger town centres. Taking the format into East Cleveland gives people another route into the wider Tees Valley creative scene without needing to travel into Middlesbrough or Stockton.

ETCH describes its aim simply: create, relate and collaborate. The new Loftus session is listed as its next upcoming event and is open to creatives from across the area.

: ETCH.