Horsforth Clothes Swap 2026: Old Kings Arms Event

Key Points

• Horsforth Climate Action is partnering with the Old Kings Arms on Town Street for the first clothes swap event of 2026.
• The event encourages residents to recycle good quality clothing items, excluding underwear, socks, or jumble.
• It serves as an accessible, fun, and social way to refresh wardrobes while saving money and reducing landfill waste.
• The clothes swap runs on Saturday, 7 February 2026, from 10am to 12.30pm at the Old Kings Arms, Town Street, Horsforth.
• Horsforth Climate Action is also holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 1 March 2026, from 2pm to 4pm at The Old Ballroom above Horsforth Library.
• AGM attendees can discuss future plans and learn more about a University of Leeds-funded nature corridor project through the town.

Horsforth Times (Horsforth Times) 21 January 2026 – Horsforth residents are being urged to participate in the first clothes swap event of 2026, organised by Horsforth Climate Action in partnership with the Old Kings Arms on Town Street. This popular initiative promotes sustainable wardrobe refreshes amid growing concerns over clothing waste. A spokesperson for Horsforth Climate Action highlighted the event’s benefits, stating:

“Clothes swaps are an accessible, fun and social way of refreshing your wardrobe, while saving you cash and reducing clothing waste in landfill.”

The event emphasises community involvement by inviting locals to bring good quality clothing items, with clear guidelines to exclude underwear, socks, or jumble. Scheduled for Saturday, 7 February 2026, from 10am to 12.30pm, it offers a practical solution to fast fashion’s environmental toll. This gathering at the historic Old Kings Arms underscores Horsforth’s commitment to grassroots environmental action.

What is the Horsforth Clothes Swap Event?

The clothes swap represents a cornerstone of Horsforth Climate Action’s efforts to foster circular economy principles within the community. Participants exchange pre-loved garments, ensuring items find new homes rather than ending up in landfills. As reported in the initial announcement from Horsforth Climate Action’s communications, the event’s format prioritises quality over quantity to maintain appeal and hygiene standards.

A spokesperson for Horsforth Climate Action elaborated on the ethos:

“Please bring good quality items – no underwear, socks, or jumble.”

This directive, drawn directly from the group’s public statement, aims to create a positive experience for all attendees. The Old Kings Arms venue, a longstanding fixture on Town Street, provides an ideal setting with its communal atmosphere, enhancing the social aspect of sustainability.

Horsforth Climate Action, a volunteer-led group dedicated to local environmental initiatives, has hosted similar swaps in previous years, building a loyal following. The 2026 kickoff aligns with broader UK trends towards reducing textile waste, which totals over 1 million tonnes annually destined for incineration or burial.

When and Where is the Event Taking Place?

The clothes swap is set for Saturday, 7 February 2026, from 10am to 12.30pm at the Old Kings Arms, Town Street, Horsforth. This precise timing accommodates weekend schedules, allowing families and individuals to join without disrupting weekdays. Horsforth, a vibrant suburb northwest of Leeds, benefits from the venue’s central location, easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport.

The Old Kings Arms, known for its traditional pub charm and community events, partners with Horsforth Climate Action to host the swap. This collaboration maximises footfall while repurposing the space for eco-friendly purposes. Attendees should arrive prepared with clean, good quality items ready for swapping, adhering to the no-underwear, no-socks, no-jumble rule.

Logistically, the event’s two-and-a-half-hour window ensures efficient exchanges, with volunteers likely on hand to facilitate pairings. Past iterations suggest a bring-one-take-one model, though specifics for 2026 remain tied to the spokesperson’s call for quality contributions.

Why Should Residents Participate in the Clothes Swap?

Participation offers multifaceted benefits, from financial savings to environmental impact. As the spokesperson noted: “Clothes swaps are an accessible, fun and social way of refreshing your wardrobe, while saving you cash and reducing clothing waste in landfill.” This statement captures the event’s core appeal, blending leisure with responsibility.

In an era where UK households discard 29kg of clothing per person yearly, such initiatives curb contributions to the 92 million tonnes of global textile waste. Residents save money by acquiring fresh outfits without retail costs, particularly timely amid cost-of-living pressures. Socially, the swap fosters connections in Horsforth’s tight-knit community, turning sustainability into a communal celebration.

Horsforth Climate Action positions the event as entry-level activism, requiring no prior commitment beyond bringing items. Its popularity stems from proven success in prior years, where participants reported wardrobe revamps at zero cost.

How Does the Clothes Swap Reduce Clothing Waste?

Clothes swaps directly tackle landfill overflow by extending garment lifespans through reuse. The spokesperson’s guidance on quality items ensures swappables remain desirable, preventing a cycle of disposability. Excluding intimate apparel maintains standards, focusing on outerwear, casuals, and accessories.

Environmentally, each swapped item diverts waste from Horsforth’s bins, aligning with national goals under the UK’s Environment Act 2021. Textiles constitute 7% of household waste, with synthetics leaching microplastics in landfills. By contrast, swapping promotes a pre-loved economy, echoing campaigns from charities like Oxfam.

The event’s fun element encourages repeat engagement, embedding habits that challenge fast fashion giants. Horsforth Climate Action’s approach democratises sustainability, making it less daunting than repairs or upcycling.

What is Happening at the Horsforth Climate Action AGM?

Beyond the swap, Horsforth Climate Action hosts its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 1 March 2026, from 2pm to 4pm at The Old Ballroom above Horsforth Library. This gathering invites members and interested residents to shape the group’s trajectory. Attendees will discuss future plans, providing a platform for input on upcoming projects.

A key highlight is the University of Leeds-funded nature corridor threading through Horsforth. This initiative, funded by academic research grants, aims to enhance biodiversity via green linkages. Residents can learn details and contribute ideas, from planting schemes to wildlife monitoring.

The AGM follows the clothes swap by weeks, allowing momentum from the February event to inform discussions. Horsforth Library’s upstairs venue offers ample space for two hours of dialogue, refreshments likely included per community norms.

Why is the University of Leeds Nature Corridor Significant?

The nature corridor project promises transformative green infrastructure for Horsforth. Funded by the University of Leeds, it connects fragmented habitats, boosting urban ecology. Discussions at the AGM will reveal progress, such as site mappings or species targets.

This corridor addresses urbanisation’s biodiversity loss, creating corridors for pollinators and birds. Horsforth’s semi-rural edges make it ideal, linking parks, streams, and verges. Community involvement ensures local buy-in, with potential volunteer roles in maintenance.

As part of wider West Yorkshire rewilding efforts, it aligns with net-zero ambitions. AGM attendees gain first insights, influencing scope from tree planting to meadow restoration.

Who is Organising These Events?

Horsforth Climate Action spearheads both, a grassroots group since 2019 tackling local climate issues. Volunteers drive operations, from event logistics to advocacy. The Old Kings Arms partnership for the swap exemplifies symbiotic community ties.

No specific spokesperson name emerged in announcements, but their quoted guidance underscores expertise. The group’s AGM transparency reinforces accountability, electing officers and reviewing finances.

Horsforth Library hosts the AGM, leveraging public facilities for accessibility. These events reflect the organisation’s ethos: actionable, inclusive environmentalism.

What Future Plans Will the AGM Cover?

The AGM agenda spans strategy review and forward planning. Beyond the nature corridor, topics may include energy audits, litter picks, or lobbying Leeds City Council. Residents’ voices shape priorities, ensuring relevance.

Horsforth Climate Action’s track record suggests ambitious goals, like expanding swaps or school outreach. The University of Leeds funding validates credibility, potentially unlocking more grants.

This dual-event lineup – swap then AGM – galvanises participation, weaving social action into civic life.

How Can Residents Get Involved?

Residents should mark calendars: 7 February for swapping, 1 March for AGM. Bring quality clothes to Town Street; discuss visions at the Library. Follow Horsforth Climate Action on social media for updates.

Volunteering offers deeper engagement, from setup to corridor work. These steps empower Horsforthians in sustainability.