The free festival on September 27 and 28 at Lingfield Point, Darlington, celebrates the fun in living sustainably. It will include an extensive workshop and talks programme to show families how to be resourceful in their everyday lives.
Teesside University has won prestigious awards including The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education and Times Higher Education University of the Year, which makes it the perfect partner for the learning aspect of the festival.
The Festival Talks programme will include presentations by key academics from Teesside University including Steve Thompson social entrepreneur in residence alongside artists, thinkers and thrifters involved in the Festival.
Festival workshops will appeal to people of all ages, who can learn skills including rewiring electrical goods, cookery, upcycling household items, sewing and crafting across the two-day extravaganza.
Festival Director Stella Hall, said: 'A big part of this festival is education. One of the main aims is to educate people on how to live better, live more sustainably, not just for their own benefit but to help our planet also.
'The talks and workshops are run by highly skilled and talented people who are making a real impact and we guarantee that people who attend the festival will take away skills and ideas they can use in their daily lives. “Teesside University became the obvious partner for us in this area. The University has excellent educational credentials and we are delighted to have them on board and supporting us.
'Both the Festival and the University share the sustainability ethos and I am looking forward to building our relationship and offering.'
It played a major role in last year’s festival success, when the University’s School of Arts & Media staff and students showcased their impressive work in areas such as sustainable interior and product design, textiles and fashion, and exploring ways to reuse, recycle and upcycle.
This exhibition received glowing feedback from Festival co-founders Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway.
Since then the students have continued to feature the thrift message in their work which has included them hosting a ‘vintage thrifty Christmas Bazaar’ at the Teesside University Students’ Union.
Laura Woods, Director of Academic Enterprise, said: 'The Festival of Thrift is a brilliantly innovative way of creating fun for all while delivering a serious message about sustainability, and showcasing some seriously good examples of how to make the most of the resources we’ve got. 'Teesside University is sponsoring this year’s festival to help underline the importance of this message, particularly to businesses. Resource efficiency – using the earth’s resources in a responsible, sustainable way – is not only good for the planet; it’s good for business too. 'Companies of all sizes, including start-ups and new entrepreneurs, can cut costs and increase efficiency by reducing, reusing and recycling, and turning waste into positive, value-creating resources. Resource efficiency is the business model for many social enterprises. 'We’ll be involving our students, graduates and staff in the festival, to demonstrate how design, technology, creativity and entrepreneurship can all support sustainable living and sustainable business.'