Sustain West Cork Weekend

cork | environment | event notice Tuesday August 21, 2007 09:35 by Kate - Sustain West Cork

The first Eco-Festival in West Cork August 24-26 Bantry

The first festival of its kind to be held in the South West is set to take place in Bantry over three days in August. Sustain West Cork, a voluntary group are organising the “Eco-Festival” to raise environmental awareness and promote local Sustainable Development.

The programme includes an impressive lecture, debate and workshop schedule, guest speakers, live multi cultural music and dance from around the world, films, children’s activities, local produce and food stalls, information and an exhibition hall. This promises to be a diverse, entertaining and informative event with something for the whole family. The current challenges of climate change, rising fuel costs, global economic instability and cultural diversity are addressed throughout the weekend.
Go to our website for the full programme www.sustainwestcork
The Festival event starts Friday 24th in Bantry with a focus on shopping locally as the Greener option. A wide variety of organic and locally produced quality foods will be available. Many of the market traders as well as the town retailers are taking part in the promotion. Sustain West Cork will have a stand on the square providing information about the festival and their other projects. At the official launch on Friday evening Christy Moore plays a special benefit performance at St. Brendan’s Church. . “I totally support everything Sustain West Cork are doing”, says Christy Moore, “and I am delighted to be a part of it.” Mark Edwards, environmental photographer pays a welcome return visit to Bantry with his presentation featuring the hard hitting images that accompany the lyrics of the Bob Dylan song “Hard Rain” A 40m banner depicting the photo-stills will be on display in the town during the weekend. On Saturday 25th guest speakers cover topics on Sustainable Development and our Local Community. Phoebe Bright of Energy Scenarios Ireland, looks at ‘What might a thriving, sustainable rural economy look like in West Cork in 10 years time?’ Michael Ewing, Senior Researcher, the Centre for Sustainability, IT Sligo discusses how to “exercise your rights to participate in environmental decision making” Award winning film producer and West Cork resident, David Puttnam is Saturdays guest speaker along with Jonathan Porritt, writer, broadcaster and commentator on sustainable development.
The Saturday evening music, sponsored by The Department of Justice Integration of Migrant Fund, boasts a cross-cultural musical ensemble. The line up features local and Cork-based artists both national and non-national. The event culminates on Sunday with a family day on Bantry Square. A youth parade through the town features the “Eco-inventions” from the K2 Arts Summer camps. Children’s workshops, theatre and music will keep you entertained whilst a multi-cultural flavour is created with traditional dance, music and food from around the world.