Black Cat Swap
About this Event
For lovers of alternative style 🖤
The Black Cat Swap is a free evening clothes swap celebrating the wilder, weirder, darker corners of fashion — vintage, goth, punk, grunge, dark academia, rockabilly, alternative, and anything in between.
If your wardrobe leans away from the high street, this one's for you. Held at Southport Market in the run-up to Halloween, Black Cat is also the perfect antidote to fast-fashion polyester costumes. Bring in the alternative pieces you've outgrown, hunt for the ones you've been searching for, and take home a look that isn't destined for landfill on 1 November.
Format 🕔 5:00–6:00pm — Drop off your donations 🕕 6:00–9:00pm — Swap floor open
The Black Cat Swap runs on a simple token system — when you drop off items, you'll receive one token per item (up to 10 items) to spend on the swap floor. One token = one item, and everything is free.
What to bring · Clean, wearable alternative clothing — vintage pieces, band tees, leather, lace, tartan, velvet, statement jewellery · Reusable costume pieces are welcome (please, no single-wear polyester) · Shoes, bags and accessories are always welcome · Items in good condition — think "would I be happy to give this to a friend?" · Bring up to 10 items to swap
What to expect · A warm, well-lit market space with a slightly darker soundtrack for the occasion · Refreshments and food available from Southport Market's independent traders · Volunteers on hand to help you browse and find your style · A relaxed, sociable evening — bring a friend, stay a while Accessibility Southport Market is on the ground floor with step-free access.
A note on photography The Black Cat Swap welcomes all ages, but photography is opt-in only for under-18s. If you're bringing a teenager and would prefer they aren't photographed, please let a volunteer know on arrival.
What happens to leftovers Nothing goes to waste. Any items not taken home on the night are passed to our local reuse partners for onward distribution. Partners and funding Delivered by The Hearth Network CIC in partnership with Southport Market and Enhance Events. Funded by the Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority and Veolia through the Zero Waste Community Fund 2026–27.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
