Festivals are making a greener return in 2021

With the delayed UN Climate Summit set to go ahead in Glasgow this year, all eyes are on the U.K. to see how the entertainment sector will champion sustainability after lockdown

British festivals are anticipating a more sustainable return to the stage this summer, following a year of banned mass gatherings.

A report from A Greener Festival found the average festival produces 2299 tonnes of Co2. This year’s Climate Summit on 1 November is making organisers focus on their carbon footprint.

Tramlines Festival in Sheffield is among many prioritising sustainability. Previously promoting a zero landfill policy, organisers are now investigating the origins of their sustainable supplies.

A representative from Tramlines says: “When we look at the production of recyclable plastics there's still issues there.

“We look at where it’s made and how it gets here with shipping, from every stage of the production.”

UK festivals take their inspiration from innovation in Denmark, in alignment with the Summit’s values of “uniting the world to tackle climate change”.

Leave No Trace, a zero-waste campsite at the Danish festival Roskilde is urging festivals to increase communication with guests.

“It’s about getting people to really think about what they are bringing, so they will also take it home,” says project leader, Mie Arlington Ølhom.

Mie urges British festivals to reward sustainable choices: “Guests who want to clean up and think about how they’re attending should be the ones closest to the cool areas.”

Tramlines is currently set to take place between 23-25 July, but organisers are still battling uncertainty surrounding restrictions. However, they insist sustainability will remain a priority: “It’s not a simple thing at all but it’s something we’re looking at closely all the time.”