In aid of the Yak Pack Theatre Project, the rails at the Big Swish will be open 3-5pm, with first dibs at 3pm for everyone who brings swaps, and open to all from 3.30pm. Entry is £5, and you can choose up to 10 items.

The Yak Pack Theatre Project is a local charity aiming to reach the Himalayas.

Big Swish organiser, Louisa Lindsey-Clark said: “The Yak Pack Theatre Project in 2018 enabled over 1,800 school children to enjoy  theatre performances throughout the remote Spiti Valley in the Himalayas. We’re going back to build on that success this summer, especially now after Covid has had such a detrimental impact on education worldwide.” 

Yak Pack performer, Penny Falzoni said, “Swishing is the antidote to fast fashion, and it’s really good fun. It’s a great opportunity to have a clear out of all those clothes you don’t wear anymore, swap them for outfits you fall in love with, and all in a good cause too. You can bring along good quality men’s, women’s or children’s clothes, shoes and handbags.”

Actor Ben Lindsey-Clark said, “Local people in the Spiti Valley have asked us to come back, with a play that explores the problem of plastic pollution, which is an issue just as relevant here in Dorset. We’ll perform the new play in Dorset in June, before we go to India in July.”

The Yak Pack will perform the new play in schools, run up-cycling workshops to turn discarded litter into props for the show, and help clean litter from trekking routes.

The project needs the help of the Dorset community to reach its fundraising targets.

Penny Falzoni said, “We need to make sure we’re reaching as many people as possible in Spiti and even a few pounds will help us reach our targets. The Big Swish is a chance to find new outfits you love and help a good cause at the same time”

There will be tea and cakes at the Big Swish and a chocolate tombola donated by local shops. Storytelling at 4pm from Treehouse Theatre will keep the little ones amused.

Info and tickets: www.the-big-swish.eventbrite.co.uk

Read about The Yak Pack Theatre Project, at https://yakpack.wixsite.com/yakpack

Clothes left after the Swish will be donated to The Footprints Project, who help women break the cycle of crime and reoffending. www.footprintsproject.co.uk