Big Thrift: Vintage style, slow fashion and community by the sea

VINTAGE lovers, upcyclers and slow fashion fans will return to Torquay Common later this month when Big Thrift headlines the opening weekend of the expanded Nightjar Festival Series.

Presented by Nightjar Entertainment, the one-day event will run from noon until 9pm on Sunday, December 29, offering a unique and vibrant blend of preloved fashion, creativity and community connection by the sea.

Big Thrift follows last summer’s inaugural market, which drew more than 5,000 visitors and proved a standout success for the Surf Coast.

With more than 100 curated stalls – spanning vintage and retro fashion, reworked clothing, second-hand designer pieces, vinyl, retro homewares, small local labels and emerging upcycled designers – the event champions sustainability and individual style.

The market boasts more than 100 curated stalls, spanning vintage and retro fashion, reworked clothing, second-hand designer pieces, vinyl, retro homewares, small local labels and emerging upcycled designers.

Food trucks, boutique bars, DJs, the Disco Rodeo boot-scooting queens and interactive spaces will add to the full-day festival atmosphere.

Driven by Nightjar Entertainment director Lyndelle Flintoft, Big Thrift continues her push to deliver inclusive, accessible and affordable events that reflect Surf Coast values while supporting independent makers, young creatives and local traders.

Beyond the market stalls, Big Thrift offers an all-ages experience, with summer DJ sets, dance sessions, chill-out zones for families, creative photo moments and a warm, music-filled evening as the sun sets over the Common.

Flintoft said the event’s energy and purpose resonated strongly with the community.

The one-day event will run from noon until 9pm on Sunday, December 29.

“Big Thrift had such incredible energy last year – professionals selling alongside friends clearing out their cupboards, everyone laughing, rummaging and finding treasures,” she said.

“It’s a day completely disguised as fun, but underneath it all we’re tackling the bigger picture around landfill and over-consumption.

“It’s community, it’s humanity… and hopefully everyone walks away with their New Year’s Eve outfit sorted too!”

For more information, head to nightjarfestival.com.au

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