Greenfest 2010
Thursday May 27, 2010
If you are interested in environmental issues or just looking for a fun day for all the family, make sure that you head to the annual Greenfest festival.
Greenfest takes place on Sunday, June 20, from 1pm to 5pm, at Furnivall Gardens, Hammersmith and will see environmental and community groups come together with local residents to promote a more planet-friendly and aware lifestyle.
The festival is organised by a team of volunteers put together by hfcyclists, the local branch of the London Cycling Campaign in Hammersmith & Fulham.
This year’s Greenfest will see the launch of an new council campaign to improve road safety awareness for cyclists and lorry drivers. Each year between ten and 20 cyclists are killed on London roads and half of these accidents are caused by collisions with lorries.
A lorry will be present at Greenfest and cyclists will be able to climb onboard and see at first hand what driving is like from a lorry driver’s perspective. In several weeks time, the boot will be on the other foot, with lorry drivers being given cycling training. The aim is that by understanding more about what life is like on the road for cyclists and lorry drivers, lives will be saved.
Greenfest will also feature numerous stalls selling herbs, fairtrade goods, natural clothing, toys and gifts. There will also be the chance to find out about campaign groups and become involved in organic and wildlife gardening, composting, eco-living, recycling and saving energy, cycling and other greener ways of getting around.
There will also be a mini give and take day, run by the council’s recycling team and local environmental charity Furnish. A give and take day involves people giving away items they no longer want and taking away any items left by other people - all for free! Items likely to be available include books, toys, bric a brac and clothes. If you are giving please remember that only items that are in a reusable condition will be accepted. For safety reasons, electrical items can not be accepted either.
Visitors will also be able to take a look at a seat belt sledge that demonstrates the importance of wearing a seat belt and try out bicycles that have special child trailers attached to them. If you fancy a spot of canoeing, there will kayaking on the river and if music is your thing there will be live bands and a didgery-doo workshop.
Cllr Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, said: "As well as promoting ways to recycle and compost locally, people attending Greenfest will be able to spend a fantastic afternoon in one of the borough's most picturesque parks."
Greenfest runs from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, June 20. As part of the event, there will be a workshop on ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ at 2.30pm and another on composting at 3.30pm.
Greenfest organiser John Griffith’s said: “At Greenfest you can meet over 50 environmental and community groups. A chance to become involved and enrich your life. From capoeira to kayaking, composting to cycling safely with your child, rambling and exploring the river. Great live music, stalls to browse and many free kids’ activities. All in a relaxing atmosphere by the riverfront in Hammersmith. Tell your friends, bring a picnic, and make this the best FREE party of the year. “
For4 more information, visit www.greenfest.org.uk (opens new window).
