The BIG FIX 2026
In today’s society, it has become easier than ever to fall into the trap of continuous consumerism. Buy, use, dispose, repeat.
We have become so used to simply throwing things away when they break, with the low price of replacing items and the convenience of next day delivery. Have you ever stopped to think if there was a better way?
The people of Devon certainly have.
What is THE BIG FIX?
In 2019, a call to action was put out for residents of Devon to counter this throwaway culture. Over 40 volunteers from Repair Cafés across Devon joined forces for the world’s first ‘THE BIG FIX’. People across Devon brought in their broken household belongings and a record 268 items were fixed in just one day!
The BIG FIX 2020 saw 2,000 people visit 66 Repair Cafés across the UK. A record 2,253 broken items were fixed at the largest event of its kind, still all in one day!
Last year, 83 Repair Cafés and 1,148 volunteers took part in the BIG FIX, mending 2,358 items and saving 63,880kg CO2e. Many cakes and biscuits were served alongside many more cups of tea and coffee!
How do I take part?
Repair Cafés
Repair Cafés across the UK can sign up to take part in The Big Fix 2026, here. All you need to do is host a Repair Café in May and let us know how it goes!
When you sign up, you’ll receive resources to help promote your event and will be included in our The Big Fix promotional work, helping to highlight the amazing work of Repair Cafés and their volunteers!
Visitors
You can take part in The Big Fix 2026 by supporting your local repair café. Come back closer to May to check our list of participating groups and plan your visit!
Whether you have an item to be fixed or you just want to show your support, you will be welcome!
What is a Repair Café?
A Repair Café is a free meeting place where people can bring things to be repaired by volunteers in their local community. This can include things such as clothes, furniture, electricals, bikes and toys. There are over 2,000 Repair Cafés worldwide, with the majority found in Europe. Their aims are often to reduce waste, share skills and create a more sustainable society.
Some of the benefits, other than reducing our waste, come from the connection between members of a community. Those involved have told us that they felt a sense of achievement as repairers, they learnt and shared skills, made new friends and felt even more connected with their community.
The question is, what will you take away from THE BIG FIX 2026?
