Creative festival tackles cost of living by teaching sustainable skills
This is the second year of the festival, now with a new theme of 'Make do and mend'
Organisers of a ‘Festival of Creativity’ in Whithorn are tackling the challenges created by the cost of living crisis, with a new ‘Make do and mend’ theme.
A range of events, workshops, and talks all look to inform participants about different ways to reuse, repair, and recycle – at a time where people are monitoring their expenses closer than ever.
The festival is taking place in the South Machars Community Centre in Whithorn, running from Friday the 8th of September, to Saturday the 16th.
Organisers promising ‘something for everyone’
Designed to be as inclusive as possible, a range of free workshops and talks as well as some available for a low cost are on offer.
It’s hoped the festival will help highlight the creative prowess of the region, giving a platform to different local talents.
With the aim of promoting various creative practises, including mosaic art, ceramics, and textiles, visitors have the chance to leave with a new skill.
There are community benefits to be had
The event first launched last year, with organisers hoping continued success will help boost community cohesion, and draw more people into the area, providing an economic boost to small businesses in Whithorn.
Kathleen Hart is a festival co-founder:
“The theme of this years festival is ‘make do and mend’ – repair, reuse, and recycle.
“I think in response to the cost-of-living crisis, people are far more aware now of where every penny goes.
“So, we have a fermentation ‘fermenting food workshop’, we have ‘how to repair your clothes’, and we have someone coming with eight sewing machines doing a basic skills workshops so we can all learn how to repair our clothes.
“All our creatives were given a brief to fit in with the theme of this years festival and I think that’s made it even more popular.”
More information on specific timings can be found on the festival webpage.