The Big Swish is here!

Well, almost! Saturday 5th September is the big day.

If you've had a lockdown wardrobe clear out, this is the moment you've been waiting for!

Bring your good quality pre-loved clothes to the Big Swish, and let other people fall in love with them and give them a good home. Browse the rails and choose yourself some new outfits in exchange. Its as easy as that!

"Swishing is for everyone who wants to combine glamour, environmental protection and frugality." Lucy Shea, founder of Swishing

Entry is £5 per person. (cash only). People who don't want to participate in the Swish may come along free of charge - however please note that you need swap tokens to obtain items!

To take part, you need to bring at least one item of clean good quality clothing or shoes (max 10) - see guidance below. You will receive 1 Big Swish swap token per item, which you can exchange for any other item in the Swish.

“The latest craze sweeping the country is ethical, eco-fabulous, social and fun. Welcome to the future of fashion." Jess Cartner-Morley, Marie Claire

ON THE DAY: 1pm-2pm - Drop off clothes & collect tokens (no entry to the Swish) 2pm-4pm - Swishing time! Choose your new items! 4pm-5pm - Additional swap tokens may be purchased for £1 each

EARLY CLOTHES DROP OFF: Monday 24th August, 6-8pm @ 39 Rebbeck Road, BH7 6LW Tuesday 25th August, 6-8pm @ 39 Rebbeck Road, BH7 6LW Wednesday 26th August, 10-12am @ 40 Irving Road, BH6 5BQ Thursday 27th August, 6-8pm @ 39 Rebbeck Road, BH7 6LW Friday 28th August, 2-4pm @ 40 Irving Road, BH6 5BQ Monday 31st August, 10-12am @ 40 Irving Road, BH6 5BQ. AND 6-8pm @ 39 Rebbeck Road, BH7 6LW Tuesday 1st September, 10-12am @ 39 Rebbeck Road, BH7 6LW Wednesday 2nd September, 2-4pm @ 40 Irving Road, BH6 5BQ Thursday 3rd September, 10-12am @ 39 Rebbeck Road, BH7 6LW

Rules of the rails!

- Each person must bring at least one good quality item of clothing or shoes in a good and clean condition to be allowed to take something from the event - Items will be swished item for item (1 item = 1 token) - A maximum of 10 items can be taken from the event per person (it is the Swisher’s choice if they wish to bring more) - ITEMS MUST BE IN GOOD CONDITION. Something that has shrunk, is stained or needs repairing (e.g. missing buttons, broken zips, loose sequins or beading, rips, tears, fabric pulls or holes, bobbly bits, disintegrating seams or hems, lint or fluff) will NOT be accepted - Sorry NO nightwear, swimwear, underwear, socks, babywear or school uniform - No item may be claimed before the swish opens. - After 4pm, additional Big Swish tokens can be purchased for £1 each.

COVID-19 Rules of the Rails!

- Please do not attend this event if you have symptoms of Covid-19, or have been asked to self-isolate by Track and Trace. - The Swish will operate like a shop: masks must be worn, please follow the one-way system, observe social distancing, no changing rooms are available, hands must be sanitised on entry and exit, a one-in-one-out system will be in place when we reach maximum numbers. - We will put your chosen items in a sealed bag which we recommend you leave for 48 hours before opening.

We are unable to offer refreshments at this event, however we'll have a chocolate tombola to try your luck and a small selection of soft drinks available. You can also check out our totaliser of how many kg of clothes we have diverted from landfill !

There are some wonderful Southbourne organisations supporting this event (hopefully they will be able to attend in person at future Swishes!): Visit Haberdasherdo on Southbourne Highstreet to pick up everything you need to upcycle your clothes, and some ideas for using clothes and fabric at the end of its life. Southbourne Dry Cleaning in Carberry Parade will help with any mending or taking in/up/out for your new clothes, as well as dry cleaning or course! Food on the Loose on Pokesdown Hill is your one-stop food shop for reducing your impact on the planet as a conscious consumer - take your own containers, and remember a jar for their peanut butter machine! Sobo Wastebusters is a wonderful organisation helping our local community to live more sustainably. Find out how to get involved as a volunteer, or what you can recycle where.

Mailboxes Etc in Bournemouth Triangle have generously donated all the posters and leaflets for this event, beautifully produced as always - thank you!

Immanuel Church in Southbourne is our host for this event - they have gone out of their way to welcome us and support the event to go ahead even in these difficult times.

All the money raised at this event goes to The Yak Pack Theatre Project, to share the joy and drama of story-telling with children living in the remote Himalayas. Thank you!