Want to know what it's like at one of London's repair cafes? Check out this video we made.
Got an old bike you need fixing up? A radio you'd like to get working again? A favourite coat with a huge tear in it?
Repair Week is in London from 11-17 March 2024 — with over 70 partners running workshops and events across the city, giving you the chance to breathe new life into cherished items, save money and be kind to the environment.
Among events — taking place in various libraries, community centres, churches and other venues — are sewing 'survival skill' crash courses; furniture upcycling sessions; computer maintenance and troubleshooting tutorials; and bike repair workshops. Some events are also hosted online.
While handypeople will be able to mend your items at some of these workshops (and often for nowt), the idea is to follow guidance and pick up tips from them, so you learn how to make fixes yourself in the future.
Just a couple of examples of what you could get up to: On 16 March, for example, take your bike to Dr Bike in Bishop's Park, Fulham, for a free puncture mend/brake tightening/gear replacement — plus useful advice about getting the best out of your bike. Or, on 17 March, head to the People's Park Tavern in east London, to learn how to repair clothes (and other textiles) in decorative and creative ways — using darning, patching and embroidery.
With each London household producing a tonne of waste each year, it goes without saying that our habits need to change, and fast. The recent swell in 'make do and mend' attitudes — and popularity of shows like The Repair Shop — suggest a positive move towards fixing up rather than throwing away.
Of course, campaigns like Repair Week are in the best interests of local councils too, who have to deal with a lot of our jettisoned material.
Repair cafes and workshops can be found in London year-round — check out this list of places where you can get things fixed up.
Repair Week, 11-17 March, London-wide
