| Imagine . . . . . a festival that celebrates today to help save tomorrow. A tomorrow where we actually use the technology available now to generate electricity in our own homes instead of increasingly fearing the next electricity bill. A tomorrow when rising fuel costs finally persuade folks to treat driving and flying as the luxury it was 50 years ago but where modern technology enables many of us to work locally but be noticed globally. A tomorrow where wilding of our national parks is seen as a solution to water shortages and carbon sinks as well as a place to celebrate nature’s rekindled diversity. A tomorrow where we all start to appreciate our gardens not just for their beauty but for what they can provide in food and even fuel, a tomorrow that sees the results of enthusiastic planting today of native fruit and nut trees in our urban areas, or turning corporate lawn deserts into beautiful gardens that would shame the Elizabethans. A tomorrow when none of the electricity generated in the colossal nuclear fission generator eyesore close by is actually needed by anyone in the District. This is not a time of despair or denial. It is a time to realise what we already have and learn how we can use our knowledge, innovation and consideration to live a full and wonderful life that works with our planet and not against it. It's time to take care of business and turn ourselves around and Lancaster, with a cornucopia of thriving landscapes, universities, and local businesses (including many superb ale houses) is as beautiful a place to start as any.
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Festival includes:
• A film festival and panel discussions hosted by the Dukes Cinema raising awareness about climate change and sustainable practices. The Dukes will also run a short film competition for young people in the area. The winning film will be shown during the festival. • A Sustainability Exposition (Sat. 11th October, Lancaster Town Hall) demonstrating energy efficiency measures, renewable technologies and sustainable life choices. Local businesses, organisations, community groups, universities and schools will be invited to showcase their energy efficiency and renewable energy products, services and projects. Guest speakers will give short presentations at the Town Hall throughout the day. The day will end with local and international musical acts that have travelled to Lancaster via public transport and who's sound is powered by renewable energy. • Carbon neutral music concerts (bands and DJs) will be hosted by existing venues in the City. Bicycle generators are being built to power the sound systems for acoustic acts. • Eco Tours of the district including a self-guided walking/cycling tour of buildings, local businesses (including pubs, restaurants & light industry) incorporating eco-friendly innovations in Lancaster. A carbon neutral bus tour of rural sustainable practices in this and surrounding districts. The bus will be run on recycled waste vegetable oil. • The Dukes Playhouse and Lancaster Environment Centre are to host talks and workshops, with keynote speakers, addressing the challenge of climate change and proactive individual and community solutions. • District schools will be encouraged to take part in a range of projects comprising, but not limited to, arts (poetry, youth theatre, music, painting/drawing) and science projects. The former to be exhibited at the Dukes Playhouse and other venues and the latter to take part in the Sustainability Exposition. • A Sustainable Lancaster booklet will be produced - mapping pubs, restaurants, and markets providing food and beverages from local and sustainable sources and businesses involved in championing sustainability. The booklet will include the listings of all the events taking place at the festival. • A carbon footprinting event tool is being used to help
plan this festival and to allow a BSI 8901certificate of sustainability
to be issued. |
Festival Organisers:
The festival is being co-ordinated through Lancaster's energy awareness organisation LESS (Local and Effective Sustainable Solutions). Partner organisations include: Lancashire Environment Centre at Lancaster University Lancaster Arts Development Council |