The Magic of the Big Green Gathering
by Melissa More
Oct 15, 2007
Positive News Issue


Some 20,000 people attended this year’s Big Green Gathering, the largest green festival in Europe. This five-day EVENT is uniquely powered entirely by solar, wind and pedal power.


Some 20,000 people attended this year’s Big Green Gathering, the largest green festival in Europe. Set in the breathtaking Mendip Hills, at Fernhill Farm, above the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, this five day Gathering is uniquely powered entirely by solar, wind and pedal power.

“People are amazed that you can run an event for 20,000 people, for a week en-tirely on renewable energy,” says Penny Kemp, a Big Green Gathering Director. “That’s the size of a small town! You can wash all your clothes in pedal-powered washing machines or use a solar shower.”

At the heart of the event, the Campaigns Field with the Green Futures Forum was a central focus, where topics ranged from Climate Change and Consciousness to Cooking with Hemp.

“The Gathering showcases sustainable lifestyles and combines education with entertainment,” explains Penny. “We had lots more families and mainstream folk coming this year, as green issues have become more prominent in the media. We also have wonderful reports. Some say it helps them find something useful to do with their lives.”

Alongside all the information stands, exhibitions and films, there were non-stop talks and workshops on practical green living: food and farming, permaculture, green enterprise and business. For those who were keen to learn about traditional skills, experts in the green crafts field taught such things as wood and stone carving, rug-making and pottery. There was also a chance to try out a variety of treatments in the Healing Fields.

The magic of the Big Green Gathering is that it fulfills everybody’s dreams, with amazing music such as reggae, hip-hop folk and world music. Festival favourites such as 'The Mad Cows' and 'Seize the Day' rocked the fields, while marquees provided a myriad of raw and acoustic talent. Key issues of the day were dissected at The Speaker’s Forum, on Green Radio and in the Campaigns Talks Tent, whilst the latest alternative films were on show at the Renewable Energy Cinema. To top it off, cart horses and carriages transport-ed equipment and people across the fields – one entire area was allocated to traditional wooden caravans.

Whatever your plans next summer, remember the Big Green Gathering and join in the fun and frolics of the biggest eco-gathering in Europe.

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This article and more may be found at:

http://www.positivenews.org.uk/artman/publish/article_1345.shtml