I actually came across the Festival of Thrift in my last year of University; as part of our Social Enterprise module, we studied and created a business plan for the event. It seemed pretty cool, but I'd never been.
It's an annual free weekend festival at Kirkleatham in Redcar that surrounds 'living sustainably with style'. It's rife with food stalls, trinkets, homemade pieces and everything you could possibly think of.
Throughout the weekend they put on plenty of workshops where you can learn how to make bird feeders, blend tea, weave and even do some metal work. It's a fantastic day out for the family, especially if the rain holds off.
It's all about upcycling and using up what we have and well, we bloomin' loved it.
Hannah, Jess and myself, with bellies full of Sunday dinner wandered around the MASSIVE site and were there for around three hours having a peep at every stall. There was nothing but smiles on everyone's faces.
From ladies dancing freely to chilled music to children playing in wooden stick houses and people chowing down on halloumi fries - it was such a beautiful atmosphere.
I love that the Festival is also a CIC (Community Interest Company), which means that all money made goes right back into bettering the community. Its not-for-profit nature means that any additional pennies made helps to make the next year's weekend bigger and better.
I'll definitely be making an appearance again next year and shouting about it to all that I know. Even if you're not local in the area, it's worth visiting the glorious North for - promise!
Megan. xo*Some posts may contain PR/Gifted samples, please read my disclaimer here for further information*