Festival of Thrift

This banner was commissioned by Festival of Thrift and jointly designed and made by women of the Tees Valley. ‘Women of steel’ refers to the production of steel at Redcar with iron ore from the Cleveland Hills, but it is also about the strength of the women who have lived in this coastal region for many years, supporting industry, farming, fishing and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). This project made the group look at what women went through 100 years ago to gain the vote, and has made the members want to do more to ensure that women continue to gain equality in the future.

“Don't women do well when they do it together!
Liz Read, workshop participant.

“I gained a sense of achievement, of belonging to something significant and celebratory and the opportunity to connect with my heritage as a British woman.”
Vicky Holbrough, workshop participant.

The award-winning Festival of Thrift shows you how to live sustainably with style. It's a big weekend of activities designed for all the family. Showing you how to save money, be environmentally savvy and live a rich and creative life. Leading and emerging artists, demonstrations, stalls, talks & workshops offering thrifty advice, tips and tricks as well as innovative tasty food and drink.