Setting the stage for sustainable fashion

Clifton Clothes Swap has chosen The Brightwell in Bradley Stoke as its nominated charity for its event on April 21.

The Brightwell is a centre supporting people affected by neurological conditions including MS.

Nicola Clarke, who works at the Redgrave theatre in Clifton, started running regular charity clothes swaps in 2022, and set up a supporting Facebook page ‘Clifton Clothes Swap’ in January 2023, followed by an instagram page @cliftonclothesswap. The theatre allows her to use its stage for her events, from which all proceeds are given to local charities. There is also a raffle where you can win a gift voucher for theatre tickets. 

During the cost-of-living crisis, the opportunity to swap good quality,  no longer needed clothes for new-to-you outfits in excellent condition is likely to benefit many residents. In addition to being budget-friendly, clothes swaps decrease waste going to landfill.

Entry to the April event, which runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm, is £3. Each visitor can take up to 10 good condition men or women’s clean clothes (no stains or holes) or as-new adults’ shoes or accessories in exchange for tokens to ‘buy’ the same number of items from the clothes swap. If you wish to take more clothes than you brought, you can pay £1 per additional item.

Nicola said “Our February event raised much-needed funds for the Blonde Angels, who help the street homeless in and around Bristol. In April I am delighted to be helping The Brightwell.”