What is a Climate Action Festival?

A climate action festival is a celebration of positive actions and behaviours which enable people and the planet to thrive. Think walks that connect people to their local environment, food growing events that give people the skills and knowledge to grow their own food, upcycling and mending workshops that can give old items a new lease of life, community engagement events that look to address local challenges and so much more. 

As we are facing a climate emergency, it is vital that we get everyone involved in taking positive climate action. Climate action festivals showcase how we can continue to enjoy fun events while ensuring the planet doesn't suffer as a result.

What makes a climate action festival different from other festivals?

In contrast to other festivals, climate action festivals aim to address a problem other festivals create: waste. In the UK alone, festival-goers discard a whopping 1.3 million food containers, 875,000 plastic cups and a study has found that 95% of festival-goers have witnessed littering during festivals. In stark contrast, you may be able to join a litter picking event or a plastic upcycling arts workshop at a climate action festival.

Many people also buy new items to attend festivals. The 'Show Must Go On' report found that 58% of people said they had left, lost or broken something at a festival, despite 80% buying brand new items especially for the events. At a climate action festival you might be able to attend an event that teaches you how to create a festival outfit you can use year after year out of old clothes you no longer use. 

While any event will have a carbon footprint, climate action festivals are designed with sustainability at their core and all activities and events are carefully planned and considered to significantly reduce their climate impact. 

In Lanarkshire, the Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub hosts an annual festival in September designed to start local climate conversations and raising interest in climate action. This year Lanarkshire Climate Action Festival takes place from 8-21 September 2025. Funding is available to community groups and organisations to put on events as part of the festival. You can learn more about the funding here.

You can also find more details about how to host a sustainable event here.