​ourgreenfest

​In 2019, GreenFest was born.

Initially an idea to bring eco-suppliers together in one location, it quickly grew to become an event that would take over an entire village. We wanted to provide a stage where anyone offering sustainable, environmentally-friendly products, services, advice or knowledge, could come together with people who wanted to meet and learn from them.

So, what began as one venue soon became five…….and all the outside space in between. We booked sustainable product stalls, charities, suppliers, we organised talks from experts in their field and ran workshops and activities all day. We wanted to make sure that every single GreenFest-er enjoyed and gained something from their time with us, whether they were 6, 16 or 60, an eco-warrior or just starting to seek out sustainable alternatives.

We welcomed around 2500 visitors to Hampstead Norreys on that Saturday in September 2019. Many stayed for the day and some continued to soak up the sunshine and atmosphere on Dean Meadow, as the stall holders reluctantly packed up around them.

A true sense of community resided over the entire day. How could it not? So many people from West Berkshire and beyond had come together to present solutions, time and expertise to an attentive audience. Without the help of so many individuals, parishes, businesses and groups from our community, the day would not have run so smoothly, nor would we have been able to put GreenFest on for free. 

The infectious euphoria was entirely the result of exhibitors, visitors, villagers and volunteers, happily, interestedly, helpfully and respectfully engaging with each other. It was heartening to see the strength of our community and its appetite for change.

It was, without a doubt, yours, mine, #ourgreenfest.

And we, swept up and along by all these positive vibes, inevitably succumbed to the calls for a repeat performance, which was due to take place on Saturday the 5th September.

However, for very obvious reasons, we have chosen to cancel the event this year. Boooo!

Instead, we have planned a mini programme of events. Yaaaay!

GreenFest online will run from Monday 31 August to Saturday 5th September. Our programme is packed full of useful workshops intended to help you continue on your journey to a more sustainable lifestyle and introducing you to the many wonderful eco-businesses and personalities that are right here, on our doorstep.

We've also organised a Facebook Live talk from our key note speaker Matthew Shribman and a "GreenFest presents" panel discussion will be held at Thatcham Festival in October - both not to be missed.

THE TEAM