A free community clothing swap is coming to Southport Market next week, offering local residents a practical way to pass on unwanted summer items and pick up autumn and winter clothes for the season ahead.
Delivered by The Hearth Network CIC in partnership with Southport Market and Enhance Events, the Equinox Swap provides a relaxed, friendly setting to clear out wardrobes, discover new-to-you pieces, and support local independent traders.
As the weather cools down, sorting out the wardrobe becomes a familiar autumn ritual. The sundresses and light summer wear get packed away, while the thicker jumpers and coats come back to the front. The Equinox Swap offers a ideal opportunity to let go of items that didn’t quite work out this year – whether it’s tops that stayed on the hanger or clothes that never made it out the door – and exchange them for garments you will actually reach for.
Event Details & Format
- Date: Wednesday 16 September
- Venue: Southport Market (Ground floor space with step-free access throughout)
- 5:00pm – 6:00pm: Item drop-off hour
- 6:00pm – 9:00pm: Swap floor open for browsing
The event operates on a simple token system. When dropping off items during the initial drop-off hour, visitors receive one token per item brought in (up to a maximum of 10 items). Each token allows you to choose one item from the swap floor later in the evening, with everything on the floor completely free to take using your tokens.
What to Bring
Organisers are asking for clean, wearable adult clothing in good condition. A good guide before bringing items along is to ask: “Would I be happy to pass this on to a friend?”
Accepted Items: Clean adult clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories.
Seasonality: Summer clothes you are clearing out, autumn and winter pieces, or any items ready for a new home.
Limit: Up to 10 items per person.
What to Expect on the Night
Held in the warm, well-lit central hall at Southport Market, the evening offers a welcoming atmosphere to browse at your own pace or catch up with friends. Volunteers will be on hand across the swap floor to assist visitors and help find specific sizes.
Food and refreshments will also be available to purchase throughout the evening from Southport Market’s wide range of independent food stalls.
Accessibility & Community Support
Southport Market is situated on the ground floor and features full step-free access throughout.
To ensure nothing goes to waste, all items remaining on the swap floor at the end of the night will be passed to Lakeside Church Free Clothes Store. The partner organisation provides free clothing to adults across Sefton all year round.
The Equinox Swap is funded by the Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority and Veolia through the Zero Waste Community Fund 2026.