Since starting in spring 2023, the Torch Theatre’s Clothes Swaps have been held bi-monthly and have gone from strength to strength.

Clothes Swaps events, which the Torch also encourages users to see as a Clothes Library, are where people bring their unwanted, clean clothes for others to take away. They are good for the environment and good for your wallet. People are invited to browse the clothes in their own time and it all happens under one roof in a relaxed atmosphere.

Senior Manager for Youth and Community Tim Howe said: “It all started in response to a film called Fashion Reimagined which explored how to make fashion sustainable and examined the impact of fast fashion on our planet and its resources,” explained .

“We are very lucky that our Clothes Swaps continue to grow in popularity. Ever since our first event we have been lucky to see more people attend each time, and we usually see between 20 and 30 people per event with our latest event seeing 40! So, we have supported nearly 400 people in their efforts to be more environmentally conscious.”

A range of clothes is presented in the Torch Theatre’s Joanna Field Gallery space where people are invited to browse through the clothes and also the art on display.

“We normally have some music playing and offer a chat (part fashion advice part encouragement) through our friendly Torch team and volunteers. You can bring items you want to swap out of your wardrobe, or nothing at all. We invite you to take a look through what’s on our rails or tables and take whatever you want. All the clothes are free, and you’re welcome to stay for a drink at our kiosk, pop a donation in one of our buckets or use contactless at our donation station in the theatre foyer” added Tim.

These events help the environment by allowing people to donate pre-loved clothes to others and avoid sending them to landfill – all the Torch ask is that they are clean and undamaged. By upcycling our clothes there is less dependence on buying new, and as such have less impact on using up the limited resources of the planet. Note that the Torch does not swap underwear or swimming costumes.

So if you have tired trousers or you’re bored of your top, it could be time to make a swap. Exchange your clean items of clothing for some other used clothing to promote sustainable consumption, and it won’t cost you a penny!

Pop down to the Torch on Sunday, January 25, 2-4pm - everyone is welcome to bring a little or a lot, and take home as much as their arms can carry. You can swap as many items as you like; as long as you bring at least one item you can take as many as you like, and any leftover clothes will be donated to local charities.

Items can be brought along on the day or donated in advance. Donations can be made in the Torch Theatre foyer.