Darlington set for Eco and Wool fairs this weekend

Two fairs focusing on sustainability and wool are set to take place this weekend in the centre of Darlington.

On Saturday 7 June the Eco Fair will give visitors the chance to learn about living a sustainable and eco-friendly life.

Exhibitors and specialists will be on hand with information and stalls selling environmentally friendly products. There will also be a chance to explore science, nature and craft activities as the event looks at how we can impact the future of the world we live, work and play in.

Confirmed exhibitors include:

• Budget Seeds, who have a shop which is open seven days a week, from 8am until 4:30pm at John Dobbin Road, Darlington, DL1 1US
• Darlington Credit Union, a a not-for-profit financial co-operative dedicated to promoting ethical banking within the local community.
• Darlington Association on Disability, a Centre for Independent Living, led by disabled people, which exists to promote independence and choice. DAD supports disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues affecting disabled people both locally and nationally.
• Darlington Beekeepers Association, a registered charity which strives to, promote and improve the craft of beekeeping; provide education, training and support for its Members and to inform the wider public about the important role that the honeybee (Apis mellifera) plays in our natural environment and to promote the protection of that environment.
• Tees Rivers Trust, is a charitable organisation, committed to improving and conserving the River Tees. Their work is varied and covers the whole of the catchment from Cross Fell to the North Sea.

Other exhibitors include The Angels Share Bakery, CPRE (formerly the Campaign to Preserve Rural England), Drive Darlington with new electric vehicles to view, The Forest of Flowers project and RSPB.

Artists, small businesses, makers and charities will also be in the Market Square on Saturday with a range of goods.

Activities on the day will include planting, arts, ride on tractors and the chance to watch and find out about blacksmith skills.

The event is free to attend.

Celebration of wool on Sunday

On Sunday the Darlington Wool Fair will bring together traders, craft experts and enthusiasts to offer a day of wool-related activities and shopping.

Visitors will be able to enjoy wool-related activities, workshops and shopping, with a wide range of products beautiful yarns to handmade garments and accessories on offer. There will also be the chance to watch demonstrations and meet talented artisans showcasing their skills.

Confirmed exhibitors for the Wool Fair on Sunday include:

• Mandy Bond Wool and Yarn: a Darlington-based retailer specialising in high-quality wool, yarn, and crafting supplies, catering to knitters and crocheters of all skill levels, providing materials in various weights (DK, Aran, Chunky) for projects like blankets, sweaters, and accessories.
• Natural Born Dyers: naturally dyed yarns, with a focus on the finer weights, together with a range of hand-turned wooden accessories for knitters and spinners. They are based in the County Durham village of Esh Winning.
• Helen Hardy Art: a textile artist living in North Yorkshire. She creates wildlife and landscape pictures through freemotion embroidery, wools and fabrics.

Additional exhibitors will offer hand-dyed yarns from the Scottish Borders, buttons and embellishments, floral embroidery and more.

Visitors will be able to try their hand at the ancient tradition of spinning as the Darlington Wool Spinners group offer demonstrations in Darlington Library. The local studies department will provide historic information about Darlington’s wool trade and how it helped finance the railway industry.

Darlington Wool Fair is free to attend when it takes place from 11am to 4pm.