The doors to a festival will open this weekend - and you can all attend for free.  

People from the North East are being invited to a free festival this weekend which will show them how to make their money go further while being kind to the planet at the same time.

The two-day Festival of Thrift takes place at John Whitehead Park in Billingham on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, with tens of thousands of visitors expected at the annual fun event which celebrates sustainable living.

In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis with North East communities particularly hard hit, the message of stretching budgets while protecting the environment will resonate with many.

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And organisers hope the event - which has moved from its previous home at Kirkleatham - will prove to be a massive hit with people from Billingham and beyond.

Festival director Tanya Steinhauser said: “We are so excited to bring the festival to Billingham. 

“We’re inviting everyone to come along and join us - swap your clothes, eat in the open air, fix your bike or toaster, grab some ethical shopping and, best of all, it’s free!” 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Festival of Thrift is a real highlight in our events calendar and will see visitors flocking to Billingham during the weekend.

"Its important message of sustainability is showing how everyone can take small steps towards cleaner living, while also highlighting huge priorities in our area, such as hydrogen and net zero.

"This packed line-up has something for everyone, so I’d encourage families from across the region to check it out.” 

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Cllr Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees’ Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said:  "We're looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to Billingham for a nationally renowned festival which spreads an important environmental message, celebrating sustainable living.

"For our residents and visitors alike there will be so much to see and do over the two-day programme and it’s great that the site is so easily accessible by foot, bike and public transport.”

The festival has also won the backing of Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, who said: “It’s a real highlight in our events calendar and will see visitors flocking to Billingham.

“Its important message of sustainability is showing how everyone can take small steps towards cleaner living, while also highlighting huge priorities in our area, such as hydrogen and net zero.”

One of the key attractions this year will be that, for the first time, a series of workshops showing visitors how to save money by sustainable living will be free to the public after they attract sponsorship.

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But the emphasis is also on family fun and enjoyment, so as well as the workshops, there will be dozens of live performances over the weekend involving music, dance, acrobatics and comedy, as well as a hugely diverse selection of food stalls.

For more details, visit the Festival of Thrift website here: https://www.festivalofthrift.co.uk./