Introducing Just SUST – Stroud’s festival of sustainable clothing
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At Ecotricity, our mission to end fossil fuels is part of our wider vision for a zero carbon Britain. We try to support as many green and sustainable projects as we can, particularly those that make a difference to individuals and communities, so we’re proud to partner with the new Just SUST Festival of sustainable clothing in Stroud.
The festival is a hands-on clothes-making event for a more circular, creative and caring future, but you can also just go along to see what participants have created. The inaugural event is on 28 February 2026 at the historic Brimscombe Mill, just a couple of miles from our headquarters and support centre.
If you’re wondering, the Just SUST name has been chosen to combine ‘sustainability’ and being ‘sussed’, to help make informed and empowered choices around clothes and the environment.
The Just SUST Festival is timed to lead into Sustainable Fashion Week's Future Citizen campaign, giving young people the tools to upcycle their clothing habits and design a fair fashion future. Amelia Twine, CEO of Sustainable Fashion Week, will be present and speaking during the day about the work they’re doing to make sustainable fashion accessible.
Here are just a few of the fashion highlights coming your way…
The Community Runway
The Community Runway is an inclusive fashion show where anyone from students and friends to families and local groups can take part.
Individual and team entries are encouraged, and every outfit must be Upcycled, Restyled, Embellished or Reformed. You don't need to be a tailor or a model to join in – all you need is imagination, a sense of fun and a creative spirit to make the most of the “Earth, Air, Fire, Water” theme.
Entries cost just £3.50 and the deadline is 14 February 2026.
Film screening
Woman Grows Jeans is a documentary following 600 hours of growing, retting, breaking, scutching, hackling, hand-spinning, indigo dyeing, weaving and sewing to make the UK’s first pair of 100 per cent homegrown jeans.
There will be a panel discussion following the screening, which includes director Justine Aldersey-Williams.The film is part of the 2026 Stroud Film Festival, with tickets to be available on their website soon.
Bags for Good
Bags for Good is a community project that brings together makers, menders and sewers of all abilities to transform unwanted sleeping bags into long, sleeveless quilted coats.
It aims to teach new skills to participants and foster creative connections, with the upcycled garments donated or sold to raise funds for vulnerable groups.
This initiative is all about sharing skills, caring for others and demonstrating what community and creativity can achieve in today’s world. If you fancy taking part, just drop them a line at hellojustsust@gmail.com.
A festival of fun
Just SUST Is designed to be fun for everyone to take part in. There will be workshops for children and adults, advice on repairs, interactive demonstrations, films, Q&As and much more. There will also be food, music and a special performance by the unmissable Boss Morris folk dance group.
Our founder, Dale Vince OBE, said: “Practical, joyful, rooted in community and sustainability - the antidote to fast fashion - this is Stroud at its best.”
Annabel Richmond, founder of the Just SUST Festival, said: “What excites me most about the Just SUST Festival is the joy of bringing like-minded people together to celebrate creativity at its most resourceful. When we gather to upcycle, rethink and reimagine what we already have, something special happens — there’s wellbeing, connection, community and a spark of hope. This festival is a gentle reminder to think first, buy second, and to enjoy the magic that comes from making and collaborating together.”
For the latest information, follow the Just SUST Festival on Instagram.
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