Green festivals and fairs for your diary
If you want to go to a festival this summer and didn't make it through Glasto's gruelling registration process, you'll still be spoilt for choice with hundreds to choose from. Many of the big summer festivals started life as hippy gatherings, and to an extent, the tradition still lives on today. So here's a quick roundup of some of the summer's festivals and fairs with a big green agenda that are taking place this summer. After checking out this lot I can almost smell the *ahem* patchouli...
Sunrise Celebration (31st May-4th June)
Winner of last year's Shelter award for social responsibility, this Somerset festival is one for all the family. It's spread across 13 arenas, and attractions include 'esoteric cinema', a green craft fair, tipi cafes and a healing centre, as well as performances from bands including kings of psychedelia the Ozric Tentacles and reggae-dub act Dreadzone. The festival has such an epic green policy that its carbon footprint is probably a negative value. Peace out. [Via New Consumer]
Ragged Hedge Fair (31st August - 2nd September)
A festival that's powered entirely by wind and sun! The Ragged Hedge Festival takes place on Abbey Home Farm in Cirencester, which provides all the organic food you'll need for the weekend and even has its own licensed organic bar - the Ragged Rose. It's probably the greenest fair on this list, with 'award winning compost loos' and water from the farm borehole on tap. Be warned: pets aren't welcome at this one because its held on a working farm. You can stroke the cows if you want to.
Big Green Gathering (1st - 5th August)
Another one where you might just catch sight of some genuine old hippies. You'll also see performances from Damien Rice, the Egg and dozens more bands, all brought to you by the magic of renewable power. This one's also on Glastonbury's doorstep, taking place in Somerset's Mendip Hills. There's a big emphasis on sustainable living, so if you don't fancy the lineup you can get yourself up to speed on green crafts, food and farming and sustainable living in the practical green living arena. The event is also kid-friendly.
Strawberry Fair (2nd June)
A one-day event, the Strawberry Fair on Midsummer Common in Cambridge is a hippy paradise, or a good taster of the green lifestyle for those with an interest. Expect stalls, organice munchies, fairies and folk.
Kingston Green Fair (28th May)
Another one-day event, this is a good escape for Londoners in need of a taste of the great outdoors over the bank holiday. Head for Cadbury Gardens, in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey for a day of green delights including music, many stalls, food and an atmosphere so chilled out I've even seen local chavs bent on trouble getting drawn in to the hippy vibe.
If you want more information on green festivals, check out Green Futures Festivals - a good online guide to this years events.
