Here a list of 5 sustainable festivals happening here in the UK in the summer of 2023. (Source: The Guardian)
Green Gathering, Monmouthshire
The family-friendly Green Gathering festival (3-6 August) usually hosts a diverse bill, from sea shanty-loving bands to politically conscious rappers – though 2023’s lineup remains TBC. This year the festival that won the 2023 International Greener festival award (AGF) from environmental non-profit A Greener Future will feature 100% renewable power, veggie food, upcycling workshops and a non-pushy promotion of low-impact living.
Isle of Wight festival
Running from 15-18 June, 2023’s edition of the Isle of Wight festival stars Pulp, George Ezra and the Chemical Brothers. It will also employ a local biogas firm, using turf from the festival site, to generate 950,000kWh of electricity – which is more than 300 households’ annual usage. This initiative accompanies a zero-waste pledge, including the use of compostable tableware. Water pipes are donated to local farms.
Hebridean Celtic festival, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Taking place from 12-15 July, and also starring celtic-fusion outfit Talisk and trad-rock faves Skerryvore, it’s an event with a green soul. Not only are zero-carbon alternatives favoured over generators – saving the equivalent of 27 return car journeys to Edinburgh – but equipment haulage is minimised and there’s been no single-use plastic since 2018.
Shambala, Northamptonshire
According to the Association of Independent Festivals, an estimated 250,000 tents are abandoned at UK music festivals annually – with most of them non-recyclable. None were left at last year’s Shambala, however. Other tenets include meat, fish and dairy milk all being outlawed and a variety of car-free transport schemes. On a rural Northamptonshire estate, the theatrical fiesta is inclusive and anti-corporate.
Love Trails, Gower peninsula
Featuring Biig Piig and High Contrast, this year’s Love Trails (6-9 July) mixes coastline jogs, rock climbing, coasteering, swimming and yoga with live acts and DJ sets in the evenings. Based at ruined Weobley Castle on the Gower peninsula, it has introduced chemical-free compost loos, and three-quarters of food suppliers are from south Wales. Visitors can support rainforest-protection schemes and reduce carbon emissions by booking coaches (from Bristol, Cardiff and London) or cycling travel packages.
