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Thousands turn up to make do at thrift festival

James Mulkeen Two men in green overalls stand either side of, and manipulate a larger than life-size puppet with a frame covered with plants and flowers. They are standing in front of a brick building, with a bank of shrubs on either side. To the left a man in an orange shirt is taking a photograph.James Mulkeen
Daniel - a larger than life-size puppet - strolled around the grounds, to the delight of visitors

Thousands of people have taken part in an festival demonstrating that sustainable living can be "joyful, creative and accessible to everyone".

The free Festival of Thrift in Kirkleatham, Redcar, featured arts, crafts, food, performances, and a market place featuring local traders.

Over two days an estimated 35,000 visitors participated in creative and repair workshops, and learned "new ways of living well while treading lightly on the planet".

There was also a music stage, giant installations and other entertainment, including Daniel, a larger than life-size puppet who strolled around handing out hand-made dandelions with wishes from strangers attached.

Fashion was also featured, with 5,000 people learning how to style outfits, and a Best in Show Catwalk compered by Wayne Hemingway, showing how style "does not need to cost the earth to "look incredible".

Another hands-on experience, by Woodland Tribe, invited children and their families to pick up tools and wood and create a play structure of their dreams.

James Mulkeen Image of a woman making a copper ring. Only her hands can be seen, with orange and pink varnished nails. There are elaborate metal rings on most fingers, including her thumb. A copper ring is held between the thumb and index finger of her right hand, and in her left she is holding a file which goes through the ring.James Mulkeen
At one workshop people learned how to make copper rings

Festival director, Tanya Steinhauser, said: "Festival of Thrift has always been about bringing people together to imagine a greener, fairer and more joyful future.

"It demonstrates that sustainable living can be exciting, inspiring and full of joy".

A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Council, said the "much-loved" award-winning event was recognised nationally as one of "the UK's most innovative and inspiring environmental festivals".

Council leader Alec Brown, added: "The festival brings significant cultural, social and economic benefits to the borough and showcases Redcar and Cleveland as a place of creativity, innovation and ambition."

James Mulkeen A group of people - the audience of a festival - seated on grass. At the centre is a smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing sunglasses, a white blouse and long white skirt covering her crossed legs. Her arms are tattooed and she is clapping her hands. Behind her is a black dog. James Mulkeen
Kirkleatham Walled Garden was the setting for the festival

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