Friday 18th, Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th August 2023: Here is a special report from what has to be one of the most sustainable festivals in the world.
Folk East 2023 was set in the idyllic grounds of Glemham Hall in Suffolk over a weekend where the rain managed to restrict itself to overnight so the days were perfect weather.
The Carbon Charter was based in the Suffolk Recycles Marquee and was busy the whole time with a ‘saving the oceans’ theme, advice on reducing waste as well as spreading the word on lowering carbon footprints.
Folk East itself has long been a partner with the Carbon Charter and this year they had worked even harder to make the festival an exemplar of sustainability.
With everyone attending asked to not use single use plastic, there were drinking water standpipes free to use including some chilled ones which I have never seen at a festival before.
The Solar Power System that was near the giant Earth Globe generated a constant 32 amp supply. This meant that they were able to run all of the LED site lighting and a fair size section of the arena from the sun!
There was music for everyone both on the main stage and at the other areas where crowds showed appreciation for the talent being showcased.
One standout performance was the Joshua Burnell & Band who brought their own, very unique, flavour to the folk music scene when they opened the playlist on the Saturday to rapturous applause.
Several new contacts were made for the Charter and the whole event proved to be a revelation in what can be achieved in the journey to the low carbon future.
Keep an eye on the Folk East website for news on next year’s festival HERE
