A CELEBRATION of sustainable living and up-cycling is getting ready to set up stall in a new location – a move welcomed by the event's co-founders.

The award-winning Festival of Thrift has left its home of the last three years in Darlington and headed along the A66 to its new venue in the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds, near Redcar.

Woodland trails, a museum, a walled kitchen garden, a church, stable blocks and almshouses form the backdrop of this year’s Festival, which takes place next month.

Festival director Stella Hall said: “We’re taking the Festival on tour this year after three very successful years in Darlington.

“Our venue in the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum this year is an absolute gem of a festival location.

“We are delighted to be working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to help bring this fun family event to a new venue to spread the message about thrifty living from a woodland backdrop in the north east this time.”

The family-friendly event will feature leading and emerging artists, demonstrations, stalls, talks and workshops offering thrifty advice, tips and tricks as well as innovative and tasty food and drink.

The festival’s co-founders Wayne and (CORR) Gerardine Hemingway said: “It’s a lovely location for a festival that is now nationally recognised as being something very special.

“It’s great to have the chance to make an impact in another part of the Tees Valley and we can’t wait to explore and learn about another part of the north east and to help bring good news to a town that has taken some blows in recent months.”

The site will be filled with art installations, music, performances, stalls and talks and demonstrations for people of all ages. There will also be foraging, campfire cooking and a community meal.

Over the weekend, visitors can pitch in to build a den, forage for food, make jam, take part in a fashion show and fix their broken laptops.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday 18 at Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds, Redcar, between10am and 5pm. Entry to the event is free but there is a parking charge of £5 per car.

For further details of what is happening over the weekend visit www.festivalofthrift.co.uk