Festival of Thrift returns to Redcar

A family festival celebrating sustainability is set to return to Redcar this summer, bringing thousands of visitors to the area.

The Festival of Thrift will take place at Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, after Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council secured a two-year deal to host the event in 2026 and 2027.

The festival previously ran at Kirkleatham between 2016 and 2022, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. 

Organisers expect between 25,000 and 40,000 people to attend, supporting the local economy and showcasing traders, makers, food producers, artists, workshops, performances and sustainable living.

Wayne Hemingway MBE, founder and board member of Festival of Thrift, said: “Kirkleatham holds a very special place in the heart of Festival of Thrift. 

“From 2016 to our tenth anniversary in 2022, it became a true home for the festival, and we’ve been asked countless times if we would ever return. 

“To now be able to say yes – and as part of a long-term partnership – feels incredibly special.

“Festival of Thrift is about celebrating sustainability, creativity and community in ways that are joyful and accessible. 

“Redcar and Cleveland embody those values, and we’re thrilled to be part of the area’s continued growth and ambition. 

“We can’t wait to return in July 2026 and bring the festival back to Kirkleatham for audiences old and new.

“We can’t wait to hear from the region and the UK’s second-hand sellers, charities, up cyclers, sustainable food sellers, artists, designer makers and clubs and societies working for the well-being of society.”

Councillor Alec Brown, leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, added: “Bringing the nationally renowned Festival of Thrift back to Redcar and Cleveland has been one of our priorities and I’m absolutely delighted that we will host it again.

“The number of visitors it attracts shows it is hugely valued and it brings real cultural and economic benefits, supporting local businesses, artists and traders while attracting tens of thousands of people to see what our fantastic borough has to offer.

“We look forward to local people, businesses and artists getting involved with the festival and receiving the benefit from both the fantastic event and the work which will go on away from it.”

To find out more about festival, see here.

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