You know what’s great? Festivals! The music, the atmosphere, the smell of food sizzling on barbecues, and the chance to dance under the stars while getting absolutely covered in a rainbow of glitter. But here’s the kicker—I’m all about eco-friendly festivals. Yes, my friend, I said it! We can party and still be kind to Mother Earth. Take a seat, grab a cup of tea (I promise it tastes better than that one I had at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which tasted like it was brewed in an artist’s paint pot), and let’s chat about the greenest festivals happening in the UK.
Now, Glastonbury might be the granddaddy of UK festivals, and while many think of it as a muddy, chaotic music hiatus, it’s also a leader in eco-consciousness. Remember that time I mistakenly thought the mud was a fashion statement? Spoiler: it wasn’t! This year, Glastonbury recycled an impressive 1,400 tonnes of waste. They promote reusable cups—thank goodness, as I reckon I spent a good chunk on single-use plastic ones back in my misadventure days.
The festival also has composting toilets. Yep, you read it right! These might sound terrifying (what if you sit down and it looks like… well, never mind), but they actually work wonders, turning waste into compost for local farms. And on top of that, they plant trees with ticket sales. Can you believe that? Feel free to check out their sustainability programme for more info here.
If you fancy something a tad quirky, Shambala is where the real magic happens. Located somewhere hidden amongst the Northamptonshire fields, this festival is the epitome of eco-friendliness mixed with an otherworldly vibe. I mean, where else can you enjoy yoga workshops by day and dance to some banging tunes by night, all while sipping on a fairtrade latte with almond milk?
Shambala actively encourages festival-goers to leave no trace. Fancy that? They promote carpooling, host a groundbreaking system for food vendors to cut down on waste and encourage you to bring along your own plate and utensils. Flashback to my first year: I forgot mine and ended up eating… err, tacos with a fork I found on the floor. So if you’re heading to Shambala, pack wisely, my friend! You won’t want a repeat of my fork fiasco.
Now, let’s trot over to Wales for the enchanting Green Man Festival. Taking place in the beautiful Brecon Beacons, this festival is an absolute feast for the senses, where the air smells of pine trees and… is that rosemary? It’s all about creativity, music, and nature. But what makes it eco-friendly? Well, the organisers have a nifty recycling initiative, alongside a zero-waste policy.
I had the best vegan burger there, and trust me, I’m not even vegan (still came out singing "You’re Beautiful" by James Blunt because that was playing absolutely everywhere!). There were art installations made of recycled materials scattered all around. Seriously, at one point, I was staring at a sheep made of old flip-flops. You can’t help but love the effort there. For details on their sustainability, hop on this link.
Boomtown Fair isn’t your typical festival. The layout resembles a quirky town with themed districts. It’s like stepping into a steampunk dreamland—if steampunk had juggling clowns and fire-breathing dragons! They actively promote sustainable practices, encouraging people to use public transport and offering a bike park with free bike repairs. I mean, how cool is that? My bike broke down mid-festival once—don’t ask how—and I was saved by a free repair!
Plus, Boomtown invests in local communities and does extensive charity work, helping promote social change. And the atmosphere? Absolutely electric! You can check their eco-initiality and local partnerships here.
You might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but how can I do my bit?” Fear not! Here are a few tips from my mess-ups and wins over the years.
Bring Reusables: Seriously, don’t forget your reusable cup, plate, and utensils. I’ve had to do the ‘everything-is-goop-on-a-folk-dish’ dance more times than I’d like to admit!
Public Transport or Carpool: Make the journey part of the adventure. I once shared a ride with a stranger who turned out to be a magician. Little did I know, he’d spend the entire journey trying to make the car disappear into thin air. Classic festival ride!
Eat Local and Organic: Support small vendors! You’ll often find the tastiest grub there—never a shortage of stir-fried goodies or vegan cakes.
Volunteer: Many festivals offer volunteer slots. You not only get to enjoy the experience at a lower cost, but you can also help the earth along the way! I once volunteered at a festival and got a free meal. Paid the price, though, by cleaning pots larger than my whole kitchen.
Eco-friendly festivals are paving the way for a new kind of celebration. By making small changes and being more mindful, we can ensure that our good times don’t trample all over our planet. So, the next time you’re thinking of jetting off to a weekend of debauchery, maybe pick one of these sustainable celebrations instead? You’ll feel good, and you’ll make some fantastic memories—hopefully, with fewer mud-related incidents than I.
So, what about you? Have you been to any eco-friendly festivals? Do you have any tales or tips to share? Drop a comment!
