A CHARITY clothes swap is taking place to raise money for a travelling theatre's trip from Southbourne to the Himalayas.

The Big Swish is a giant clothes swap and acts as another step towards the Himalayas for The Yak Pack Theatre Project.

Shoppers can exchange good quality pre-loved clothes at Immanuel Church Hall in Southbourne on Saturday, February 26.

Yak Pack performer, Penny Falzoni said: “Swishing is the antidote to fast fashion, and it’s really good fun.

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"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 mens, womens or childrens clothes, shoes and handbags.”

The rails are open from 3pm to 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.

There will be tea and cake, a chocolate tombola donated by local shops and story telling at 4pm from Treehouse Theatre to keep the little ones amused.

Organiser, Louisa Lindsey-Clark said: "The Yak Pack Theatre Project in 2018 enabled over 1800 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 world-wide.”

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, contribute books to school libraries, run up-cycling workshops to turn discarded litter into props for the show and help to clean litter from trekking routes.

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”

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