SUMMER SUNDAE WEEKENDER STEPS UP THE GREEN INITIATIVES IN 2009
When one thinks of Summer Sundae Weekender, it is only natural that one immediately thinks of music – from acts both cutting edge and legendary, on the up and established – amidst the lush, sun-drenched surroundings of Leicester’s historical De Montfort Hall. This year is no different, with the likes of Saint Etienne, Jenny Lewis, Bon Iver, mum and others mixing it up with critically acclaimed new whippersnappers like Micachu and the Shapes, Dan Black, The Airborne Toxic Event, Broken Records and many, many more in what is without a doubt one of the most exciting and eclectic festival bills this summer.
However, that is only part of the story. In addition to the astonishing line-up, and the myriad lifestyle additions for people of all ages (including a bespoke Garden complete with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party recreation for kids and Amnesty yoga sessions for the grown ups), this festival is, in actual fact, also one of the greenest festivals around in the UK. Unusually in music festivals, Summer Sundae Weekender makes a concerted effort to reduce its environmental impact, and, in effect, is the only festival to receive the Greener Festival Award every year since its inception for its greening initiatives.
And little wonder: for the festival, such initiatives are not just an addendum to the festival, but part of its very lifeblood. Summer Sundae Weekender is one of the few festivals, for a start, to encourage punters to arrive on sustainable transport – last year 38% of visitors did so, be it on bike or foot; this year the target is 50%. It sounds ambitious but we are confident we can reach this goal, with a number of initiatives encouraging festival-goers to leave their cars behind.
Furthermore, with the Summer Sundae Weekender site being located only 5 minutes walk from Leicester train station, and Leicester being serviced by excellent train links (just over 1 hour from London, Sheffield and Manchester) it’s never been easier. Also, in conjunction with Ride Leicester and Sustrans, we will be expanding the bike park area and offering cyclists free gifts, the chance to go into prize draws, free repairs and advice. This year, we will also be showcasing the jaw-dropping Inertia Flat landing bike exhibition, all in an effort to see a 5% increase in punters arriving by bike.
In addition, 57% of all waste was diverted from landfill, and organisers looking to increase this number by having bin monitors advising customers on which bin to use for which item to eliminate contamination and reduce landfill, while also pushing the recycling message.
Furthermore, last year all power was drawn directly from Leicester City Councils eco-tariff power supply – thereby offsetting some emissions. The festival also endeavours to turn off equipment whenever it’s not in use. Overall, the festival’s carbon footprint in 2008 was merely 474.5 tonnes, with 67% due to audience travel. 350 energy saving lightbulbs were given away, thereby offsetting nearly 44 tonnes of CO2 emissions, with the target this year being 424.5 tonnes, which will be achieved through customer awareness to the need to arrive by public transport, by giving away more light bulbs and by recycling more. All of which means you can enjoy yourself at Summer Sundae Weekender – while knowing you’re doing your bit for the environment as well.
