There were some glum faces amongst the organisers as the day dawned wet and overcast for this event. However they need not have worried as there was a brilliant turnout with much the same size crowd as usual. Pulling out all the stops to make this a Bank Holiday to remember the Kingston show once again gave of its magic.
A huge variety of stalls with excellent ethically traded produce greeted the visitor and an unprecedented 20 different food stalls was veritable veggie heaven.
Bernadette Vallely achieved a wonderful Green Homes exhibition, giving out ecological freebies as fast as could be and soon selling the very furniture on display. Nearby, and the Royal Borough officials contributed their own very useful take on how residents could reduce their carbon footprint. The Speaker’s Forum hosted interesting and wide ranging discussions, although “Domestic Violence” failed to find its audience – perhaps just as well.
All the stages were renewably powered and a remarkable achievement in sound quality and wonderful performances - that is what comes of years of practice. The crowd enjoyed 3 Daft Monkeys, Pama International, Nik Turner’s Galakticos and Barry Melton of Country Joe the Fish amongst 25 quality acts booked on the day.
The healing area was more diverse than ever and had a specially calm and spiritual feel to it, featuring a Heart garden and a well attended Goddess venue as well as some stunning performances in the Sacred dance tent.
An idea for other events to copy was the Freecycle area, where reclaimed goods could be bought bartered and exchanged for a song. Community credits and LETS are always features at Kingston Green Fair and introduce some new ways of thinking about economic aspects of our planetary health.
For the first time the organisers had fenced the site off from the river – fairly reluctantly it has to be said, but gaining control of their boundaries which helped towards the success of the day. Another first (for a very long time) was the serving of a selection of organic beers and wines. This was, all told, a splendid preview for the London sustainability weeks and a taster for the twentieth year, next year.
EARTHWISE AFTER THE EVENT - 2006
The beautiful site Earthwise people found in Dorset for this year was on the opposite side of the ridge from where the chalk giant strides.
The four days were sizzlingly hot and sunny, the site was thoughtfully laid out, an excellent range of entertainment was laid on. All the site infrastructure was there for a superb event. It was a superb event. But it reminded me slightly of early years of the Big Green Gathering, for where were the people?
For sure it didn’t look sparse in the marquees, in the Star bar with its excellent organic Wild Hare Ale. But there was lots of space in the camping area for more people and by the end of the event a few unhappy people as it was realised the finances had not reached their target.
For anyone who doesn’t know about this, the infrastructure costs such as fencing, toilets, and power swallow up money quickly, and this is particularly so on a new site. For example, all the water for washing, cooking and showering had to be brought by tanker to Earthwise and pumped around site. Each tanker costs at least £500 and several were needed over the course of the days. Unfortunately we tend to waste water - - eg I spoke to a guy washing his trainers at the standpoint after going to the loo. It is not really necessary. A walk in the long grass would have been adequately cleansing. Earthwise needed Water wise.
I think that people will be kicking themselves for not coming and supporting this jewel of an event. The organisational team were so considerate. I was camping with the performers and the love and care that had gone into making a welcoming space was very evident. The organisers and helpers should give themselves a pat on the back for their achievements and I would like to thank them for a wonderful break where I attended healing sessions, partied and partook in workshops to my hearts content.
It has made me think once more about how to help achieve the right level of publicity for this type of event. If Earthwise happens again I hope that its supporters will do far more to publicise it in all sorts of ways so that it pulls the crowds it needs and inspires the people it needs to inspire.
CAMDEN GREEN FAIR - COME ALONG - 2006
There was an excellent attendance of 20,000 for Camden Green Fair, held on Regents Park, London. On a warm sunny Sunday the crowds swarmed for this one day event. Most of Camden’s Local Council departments seemed to be there and showing their very green approach and there was a representative section of green business, too.
Transport was to be an important theme of the day. Dr Bike attracted a massive queue of people waiting for the free repair service and there were some great vehicles in the Electric Vehicle display and moving around on the wide tarmac pathways. Electric bikes were used on the day to move things around for the stallholders and bands – full marks!
Green Roadshow presented their full programme which included the acclaimed “Answer to everything machine” presented by Des Kay.
Musical entertainment at the event was perhaps slightly disappointing and lacking in a in any particular focus. A shame because the main stage was powered by a state of the art fuel cell generator complete with a great explanatory display.
There was a busy crafts area including a tipi, a kids area with plenty of fun and games, a selection of campaign groups and everything well organised for a fun family day out.
Billed as the UK’s biggest free community environmental festival Newcastle attracted 10 or 11 thousand visitors this year for two days of festive fun. Music was heard on three stages and the event culminated in a fabulous fire show.
A green parade though the centre of Newcastle with street theatre on climate change introduced the event and was the brainchild and production of the Kids Group Workshop.
For their 12th event Newcastle proved to be greener than ever, a range of renewable energy suppliers provided power for the event Including Pixie Pictures and Green Generator. Supplementing the veg oil and solar power the event drew on mains power from the park, having recently helped persuade their local council to buy electricity from renewable sources.
More information on green lifestyles was available than previous years. Mainstream organisations such as the Environment Agency took stands in the event’s first featured Environmental Trade Fair. World music day was celebated on Saturday with a showcase to appreciate the cultural diversity of this great city. The audience particularly enjoyed Indian dancing and some spectacular costumes. Hint: we would love to see the photographs!
Adding to the occasion, some excellent vegan organic ale was on sale. Greenfest from Wylan Breweries - the award winning recipe was specially adapted for the event - went down a treat in a number of the local pubs as well as at Leazes Park itself. Newcastle Brown used to be the beer of choice - nowadays its Newcastle Green.
So well done, Newcastle for what sounds like a lively event, glad you survived the Sunday morning downpour with spirits undampened. Many thanks to Gavin for telling us all about it.
Newcastle Community Green Festival, Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th June 2006 in Leazes Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
DAISY CHAIN LIVE 2006
The organisers of this event set their sights high to make a breakthrough in the concept of marketing green products and services. Well advertised and with a professional looking design to the website and exhibitor information, Sanna and Paul Evetts had obviously put a lot of love and care into preparing for this event.
There were not as many exhibitors as they would have liked. All events when they start off seem to find it hard to attract both public and participants. It takes a while to build your audience. We found a great selection of stalls, though, and everyone was in good spirits. Plus there was plenty of time to talk in more depth than usual to the exhibitors.
We made excellent contact with ecological web hosting and also found some beautiful home furnishings from CAT. It was also a chance to re-connect with Peter Lang of Green and Away who runs team-building camps and we also spotted some very unusual products on the Tango stall which we want to market ourselves. There was a lack of choice in the vegetarian catering department which I am confident will be addressed properly next year.
All in all it was a good day although we got there late because of getting lost! This was not the fault of the organisers but a cunningly placed diversion off the motorway. For this year the Show gets two stars, based on content and sustainability, and they had particularly good clear recycling facilities.
Daisy Chain Live, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs
Sat 22 & Sun 23 April 2006
The Ultimate Green Show http://www.daisychainlive.co.uk/
SUTTON ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR - 2006
This fair is held on a site with the best “natural” amphitheatre - actually I believe the site used to be a quarry or gravel pits long ago. Local bands get to play and not so local as well. And the sounds swell up the bank while at the same time young children roll, skateboard and cycle down them helter skelter in a sunny mayhem of enjoyment.
There is also something of the same atmosphere as you get in a village fete about this event, there are not a great many commercial stalls selling clothes and jewellery, but a high representation of charities doing their thing, lots of hand made and second hand treats.
I was particularly happy to buy a stripey shopping bag made out of used plastic bags in crochet. Helping and reminding me to avoid getting a plastic bag each time I go to the supermarket. A range of crafts were demonstrated which people always seem to like.
My friend and I got involved in the Tai Chi demonstration – all the chakras got charged up & whizzing about – marvellous.
The main stage was powered by Midas Biodiesel and sounded better than ever this year – obviously the PA rather than the biodisel – or maybe somebody will give me some feedback. Anyway “Los Albertos” from Brighton were great and had a crowd of teenagers doing some excellently strange dancing.
My one negative observation was that the amount of litter that accumulated in the dip was excessive for a green fair – perhaps a few more strategically placed bins are needed.
Power for the Music Café was provided by Magrec, and Clive & Vin seemed to have an enjoyable day (and reportedly a speed record in the tat down department was achieved due to impending rain). Vin was describing how famous he now is due to being interviewed by the Beeb re the Big Green Gathering. There I was entertained by the Jugglers, a jazzy fourpiece.
Anyway, well done indeed on your fifteenth, Sutton team !
SALAAM AT KEW GARDENS - 2006
We boarded the No 65 bus which took us door to door from Kingston to Kew, However having landed safely at Kew the event was not well signposted within the 300 acres of Kew Gardens. Still it was nice to wander among the lovely gardens while trying to locate the Salaam stage.
By now it was the hottest part of the day on one of the hottest days of the year. Extended family groups were gathered under the shady trees. Others in bright sunlight shading themselves with an assortment of veils, tea towels and newspapers. We saw an excellent set by Angam Al-Rafidam from Baghdad stage. The very thoughtful words of the compere regarding the current war. I have come to appreciate that Islam is a peace loving religion so I felt I was completely in the right space. We were then treated to the sights and astounding sounds of Aissawa from Fes, Morocco.
If you are used to the big production stage presentation that characterises WOMAD you might have found the day slightly lacking
in excitement. However for bringing together a multicultural and mixed audience this event wins hands down. You certainly sensed that the meaning of this diaspora was not just a scattering but an impressive expression of the diversity of the Muslim community. Artists from over 20 countries were represented at this years event. The old hands had brought their own picnics – just as well for the queue at the only refreshment tent was an extremely long one.
I hope to be back next year better prepared with my own sunshade.
This event was just a small part of a 17 day festival which acts as a wonderful cultural exchange. I think the organisers deserve all our support for their achievements and ideals.
RAGGED HEDGE FAIR - 2006
Yes, the incredibly welcoming and friendly Ragged Hedge Fair. When I arrived it was setting up time so I had the advantage of trying out the Organic Farm Shop- possibly the most comprehensive organic produce I have seen – everything in every range plus fresh veg from the farm.
Saturday dawned a wet and windy day and rain lashed the side of the hill – we were in a cleft in the valley. The wind strode off the edge carrying some of the little garden gazebo structures with it. Still we all rallied together. The Rose Bar opened, the two music marquees opened and some lovely acts poured in and out. Clive and gang were powering the Rose bar & Vin bedded down there at night in a coffin he said gnashing his fangs to deter burplars.
Tracey, Pete and Pals were the jolly gate crew celebrating a reunion after ten years and working their patch most effectively. Another big plus was to meet cool and clever Jim who headed the team of stewards.
There was plenty to do for such a small event – blacksmithing and bodging, a wander in the woods revealed a sculpture trail to explore, there were campaigning workshops to inspire. We were also blessed with the presence of Satish Kumar,editor of Resurgence magazine, who in his talk gave clear perspectives about caring for the natural world and self-empowerment. He drew a very enthusiastic crowd.
Great selection of music, and I particularly enjoyed the headlining act Egg who made a wonderfully spacey set after a somewhat delayed start on Saturday night. A favourite memory of the whole event were the Cosmic Charlies playing their brand of Grateful Dead which made me really appreciate this type of music for the first time. Whereupon in walked a couple of guys & one started giving the words to the song in sign language. And it was a raunchy song, obviously one of the old favourites, the signing man’s face was lit with joy.
Well done Hilary and Will for a well designed event and I am glad to say the Ragged Hedge is scheduled to be back next year. I for one won’t miss it. Hope you open the shop on the Saturday and Sunday – perhaps just for a couple of hours – so more people can sample your wares.
I can also say that if you want to investigate how to build a proper compost loo – look no further. Ragged Hedge compost loos were “the business”.
BIG GREEN GATHERING - 2006
I know this event like the back of my hand , the site, the ethos and its people, having been a director for seven years and even a full time employee.. Laid out on a grand scale at Fernhill Farm. This year the BGG overcame the “big gap in the middle” problem. It was re-arranged to fit the site better and the AMARE area joined up with the campaigns area.
This gave a tighter, more focussed feel to the event. A new crop of directors and their energy seemed to make the event happier and more vibrant than before. Or maybe it was just the absence of the band of miscreants of 2005 who caused mayhem that belied their small numbers
I was helping to run the TOAD venue and this was the first time we had our whole system on show, Wind generator, 2K battery bank, and large solar voltaic set up. With panels mounted on the sides of the trailer as planned so we could track the sun we had the extra bonus that the new roof rack on the landrover accommodated additional panels further adding to the power capabilities.
It was our first outing with Roy of Roke sound and light who had brought his best equipment to show off full of whiz bang latest mixing desk, graphic equaliser and the like. This made the venue very attractive especially at night.
Unfortunately this was a very power hungry configuration which drained the batteries on the first night of live music - a salutory lesson that all renewable suppliers and users are always relearning. Anyway it meant we were constantly nursing our battery bank for the rest of the event. Fortunately Roy had a smaller back up system of excellent quality – what a professional!
Much of the time at the BGG TOAD we were running our tea bar which was helping us to finance this venture and so did not get out to see what everyone else was up to. But we got good feedback about the excellence of the event from all our customers. Furthermore we had a brilliant daily workshop by Bob Robarts of Sustainergy which people had signed up for prior to the event. This workshop was enabling people to set up their own small stand alone photovoltaic systems and was very well attended.
Pleased as well to have Mr Stefan Spitz as our host and MC, a supportive BGG regular.
Features of the site I particularly liked were the quarry cinema and the labyrinth of love. It is great the way the BGG innovates the use of the land’s natural architecture that is particularly striking.
And it was wonderful to sense the media interest there were reporters and cameras everywhere. If my review seems a bit narrow in focus you can redress the balance by looking at any number of BBC and Youtube sites.
RE-PLAY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2007
Celebrated British craftman, designer and Socialist William Morris had his workshop/factory at Merton Abbey Mills. For the Easter holiday this year the site hosted the Rep-play festival, indeed many of Merton’s Venues were celebrating the Re-play.
Why is it called Re-play? Well the Surrey Strings who host the event have a project to repair old musical instruments and to distribute them to a number of worthy causes where they are used to make to make music once again.
A good concept, a useful project and nice people of energy and imagination behind it?
So how did the event go. Well I only saw a small part of it on the last day, and it was bustling, full of interesting activities, stalls, galleries and music and poetry. The spirit of the place was well celebrated.
Saw a band called the Groove Diggers a great little Jazz ensemble. Caught Joe Schmo twice once on the bandstand and once at the Chapter house & he was eclectic and electric, both at the same time!
