[vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The weekend before last, Kirkleatham was not its usual tranquil, country-side village with the odd pleasant “hello” from a gentleman walking his dog, it was brimming from field to field with butchers, bakers and candle stick makers. All set up in the new location, over 35,000 guests flooded through the gates over the 2 days in awe and excitement of what The Festival of Thrift would bring us this time around.

From the outset, the theme of the festival resonated throughout. Eco-style and ethical living was at the core of each and every stall and activity, recycled this, second hand that and it really made the whole festival feel like one big community. There was lots of different workshops and demonstrations for children and adults alike and everyone was getting stuck in. The CCAD Millinery workshop ran by Programme Leader in Costume Interpretation with Design, Jane Havakin and was a resounding success and we can’t wait to get involved again.

The Festival Director, Stella Hall, was impressed with the new location after the festival moved from Darlington to Kirkleatham;

“We fell in love with the Kirkleatham site as soon as we saw it and visitors have loved it too. It is wonderful to have been able to share the fun, enjoyment and inspiration that this amazing Festival produces with this beautiful part of the Tees Valley.

“A year after the devastating blow of the closure of the steelworks the weekend has also provided a positive focus for the area. We have been able to celebrate some of the proud history of this area and share it with visitors who in turn can pass it on.”

By Abigail Dennison

Images by Tracey Kidd Photography [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_style” images=”9095,9096″ onclick=”link_no”][/vc_column][/vc_row]