Music festivals in the UK and Europe are becoming more eco-friendly by implementing measures to reduce their ecological impact. From veterans such as the Isle of Wight festival to new-generation affairs like Italy’s Terraforma, sustainability-minded shows are using locally sourced food, low-emission transport, and renewable energy.
Green Gathering, Monmouthshire
The Green Gathering festival, which won the 2023 International Greener Festival award, will have 100% renewable energy, vegetarian food, upcycling workshops, and a subtle promotion of low-impact living.
DGTL Amsterdam
DGTL’s Dutch edition won two International AGF awards for green transport and innovation with reusables, highlighting their commitment to circularity. The festival features sustainable practices such as a plant-based, waste-free food court and sustainable aviation fuel for artist transport.
Isle of Wight festival
A local biogas company will generate 950,000kWh of electricity using festival site turf, equivalent to the annual usage of more than 300 households, as part of a zero-waste pledge with compostable tableware.
We Love Green, Paris
A sustainability-focused event held in Bois de Vincennes park in Paris operates on renewable energy, bans single-use plastics, sources locally grown organic food, and encourages artists to use eco-friendly transportation.
Hebridean Celtic festival, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
The Proclaimers will close the Hebridean Celtic festival on 15th July, alongside Talisk and Skerryvore. The event prioritizes environmental sustainability, using zero-carbon alternatives and minimizing equipment haulage while eliminating single-use plastic since 2018.
Øya festival, Oslo
Øyafestivalen in Tøyenparken, Oslo is located close to the city center and promotes sustainable practices. 98% of visitors use eco-friendly transportation and the festival avoids plastic seating and fossil-fuel generators. Rubbish is sorted into 15 categories and artists travel in low-emission vehicles.
Shambala, Northamptonshire
Shambala festival sets an example by avoiding tent waste and banning meat, fish, and dairy milk. The event promotes car-free transport.
Terraforma, near Milan
Terraforma is a sustainable music festival located in a wooded estate near Milan. The event prioritizes eco-friendly practices such as wooden stages, recycling stations, biodegradable crockery, electric transportation, and solar-powered lighting.
Love Trails, Gower peninsula
Love Trails is a festival held at Weobley Castle on the Gower peninsula, featuring a mix of activities such as running, rock climbing, coasteering, swimming, and yoga. It also supports sustainable transportation options.
Pohoda festival, Slovakia
Pohoda festival has been eco-friendly since 1997 with initiatives such as solar-power and waste separation points.
