Second eco-festival gets green light

12-AUG-09

Issued by: Graeme Cook

Friends of the Earth and North Tyneside Council have joined forces for the second annual Big Green Seaside Station Day.

Following on from the success of last year's showcase of sustainable living, which attracted over 5,000 visitors, this year's event will take place in the impressive setting of the Grade II listed Tynemouth Station.

The Big Green Seaside Station Day will feature green-themed exhibitors and expert help, plus stalls, street entertainers and locally sourced refreshments, including beers and smoothies.

Friends of the Earth and North Tyneside Council, along with Nexus, the Energy Savings Trust and Friends of Tynemouth Station, have come together to deliver the Bank Holiday Monday event on 31 August from 11am to 5pm.

There will be over 35 stalls offering advice and goods covering a wide range of environmental issues including recycling, renewable energy, fair-trade products, organic food and cycling.

One stall will even be giving away 20,000 long-life light bulbs.
Steve Manchee, Chairman of North Tyneside Friends of the Earth, said: "As we move into an era of constant climate change it is essential that we alter our lifestyles.

"The Big Green Seaside Station Day will again help people of North Tyneside learn what they can do in an enjoyable and informative way."

With support from Arts Council England, the international street theatre company Dream State Circus have once again put together a programme of acrobats, street artists and stilt walkers from as far a field as Australia to entertain the crowds.

There will also be a green magician and workshops for youngsters to make instruments and toys from used recycled plastic.

Helping visitors improve their green credentials will be a team from North Tyneside Council, who will be providing information about home insulation and its recycling scheme.

Cllr Ed Hodson, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "Looking after the environment is everyone's responsibility.

"This is a great chance for people to find out more about how they can do their bit, whilst also having a lot of fun in what is one of the most attractive locations in North Tyneside."

Nexus Communications Director Andy Bairstow said: "We are looking forward to being involved again this year following the success of the 2008 Green Festival at Whitley Bay Metro station.

"Metro itself is a greener way to travel, so it's an ideal backdrop for people to find out more about helping the environment and cutting carbon emissions."

Last year's event at Whitley Bay Metro Station delivered on one of the council's 50 environmental pledges as part of the 5-50-500 scheme.

The authority's green initiative is dedicated to meeting five pledges and 50 promises within 500 days.

ENDS