Bring the family and follow the fun for a host of free events taking place across South Gloucestershire’s high streets this summer.
Summer of Socks is a community arts and sustainability programme, built around the simple idea of using socks as a creative and environmental theme. Through a mix of lively performances, playful trails and hands-on workshops, the programme invites people of all ages to see their high street, and everyday objects, in a new way.
Eye-catching acrobatic performances will bring bursts of energy and colour to high streets in Chipping Sodbury, Hanham, Kingswood, Staple Hill, Thornbury and Yate throughout July and August. Full of movement, humour and a touch of the unexpected, these joyful shows transform familiar spaces into stages – inviting people to stop and enjoy something a bit different.
Sock-themed trails will be running across Chipping Sodbury, Downend, Filton, Kingswood, Hanham, Thornbury, Staple Hill and Yate throughout the school summer holidays, offering a fun and engaging way to discover the local area – perfect for little explorers (and big ones too).
At the heart of Summer of Socks is a focus on making and mending. Free workshops in Chipping Sodbury, Downend, Hanham, Kingswood, Staple Hil and Filton offer an opportunity to get hands-on, learn new skills and get creative. Participants can learn how to repair and renew clothes at a darning workshop or transform worn-out socks into fun, unexpected creations at a craft workshop. No experience needed – just come along and have a go! Darning workshops are for ages 8 and over (booking required), and creative workshops are for ages 5 and over.
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities and local place at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This summer, we’re inviting residents of all ages to get involved in something a little different on South Gloucestershire’s high streets. Summer of Socks is all about creativity, learning new skills, and having fun during the holidays.
“This is a fun and creative way to bring communities together and connect with their local high street. It also aims to encourage people to think differently about the clothes they already own and by learning simple skills like repairing and reusing, residents can also save money and reduce waste.”
The Summer of Socks programme is a playful and creative celebration of sustainability and community delivered by Can’t Sit Still and funded by West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Arts Council England.
You can find out more about the Summer of Socks programme of events, including performance dates, time and locations, as well as sign up to workshops, by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/summer-of-socks
