A new clothes swop, craft and vintage fair is to launch in Derby in November, with organisers calling for local independent businesses and creatives to host pop up shops and workshops on the day. Swop n Shop takes place on Saturday 19 November at The Atrium, University of Derby and features a giant clothes swop, plus pop up shops and workshops from independent and vintage stores, craft makers and designers from across the East Midlands. Volunteer organisers are hoping to attract more than 200 people to shop, swop and raise over £2500 for the lifesaving work of the Red Cross at home and abroad.
Stalls are available for local creatives and independent businesses to host pop up shops at the event, and organisers are encouraging anyone interested to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Stalls selling knitwear, hand made jewellery and upcycled vintage clothing are among those already signed up, with craft collective This is Bazaar arranging workshops and demonstrations on everything from how to cast on to altering clothes.
Laura Fox, stallholders manager, says, ‘We’re really excited to be able to launch Swop n Shop to Derby this autumn. We’re hoping to attract artists, designers and businesses from across the East Midlands to showcase all the amazing creative talent and independent businesses in the local area, as well as raise funds for a fantastic cause. The event is really well placed for the Christmas rush so it’s a great opportunity to promote products and businesses to local people with a passion for fashion, vintage and crafts.’
Funds raised on the day will help the Red Cross support people in crisis across the UK and overseas. Whether responding to international humanitarian disasters such as the East Africa Food Crisis, or caring for people in Derbyshire affected by fires, floods and other disasters, thousands rely on the Red Cross to be there in their hour of need.
Stalls cost just £15 for a single table including free entry to the event for members of staff, with workshop leaders able to charge £1 per attendee to cover equipment costs. Anyone interested in hosting a stall or workshop should contact Alex Gadsby on 0115 852 8016 or email agadsby@redcross.org.uk for an application form. Tickets for public admission cost £5 and can be bought at redcross.org.uk/swopnshop.
To find out more about the event contact Alex on 0115 852 8016 or email agadsby@redcross.org.uk; text 'Swop n Shop' to 078 4321 8078; or visit redcross.org.uk/swopnshop.
