Jesmond-based students involved with the Young People’s Forum, supported by staff at the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, will host an eco-fashion festival this weekend involving clothing swaps and upcycling.

The event will be held on 18th November in Northumbria University’s Student Union between 11am-4pm.

Tokens will be used to manage the event. Each item visitors bring can be exchanged for one token for a different piece of clothing. If attendees don’t want to swap any clothes, they can buy a token to purchase an item for £3.

Arrangements may be made with the event organisers to receive an extra token, if the item of clothing considered to be high-end.

Volunteer and Jesmond resident, Lucy Twigg, 20, said: “We wanted to create a sustainability-themed event that would give people practical skills to fight the climate crisis. It could be a great opportunity for a hands-on approach to tackling this problem, without simply bombarding people with daunting statistics.”

Twigg, who also studies creative writing at Northumbria University, added: “I am really keen to make a positive impact when it comes to dealing with the climate crisis, and I think it is crucial to raise awareness of the awful effect the fast fashion industry is having on the environment and its workers.”

There will be chances to buy or exchange clothing in a sustainable manner throughout the event. In addition, a practical session teaching sewing and clothing repair will be held. A live fashion show including materials that have been repaired or upcycled will take place alongside this event, and visitors will get to see a live performance by local alternative rock band The Time Wasters.

Staff member at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Demmi Robinson said: “The whole point is to just get the message out, get people talking and to raise some awareness as well as being able to come home with something new.”

There will be an Oxfam-supported station where people can learn and engage in discussions, encouraging people to talk about the fashion industry and how they can do better, as well as how individuals can care for the planet through their actions.

Barbour has made a special donation, along with other donations. There will be a wide variety of clothes to choose from.

Research shows fast fashion has been a problem within the industry for an extensive period of time. Some say the fast manufacture of clothing causes major waste, pollution, and relies on immoral labour practices, among other issues.

Visit the Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s website for additional details about how you can participate in the Saturday campaign against fast fashion.