Big Green Seaside Day encourages sustainable living

Aug 19 2008 by Francesca Craggs, The Journal

GOING green is also being made a whole lot of fun at North Tyneside’s first ever Green Festival – the Big Green Seaside Day.

The event at Whitley Bay Metro Station on August 30 will showcase sustainable living against a green-themed entertainment programme.

Friends of the Earth, North Tyneside Council, the Energy Savings Trust and Nexus have joined together to deliver the all-day event that offers factual information on how to be more environmentally aware.

And they have now announced their entertainment line-up including:

Composer and performer Michael Freeman with his music making from rubbish and junk.

The Alley Cats, who play good-time skiffle, early country and rhythmic American with their combination of powerful vocals, early country and rhythmic Americana.

Tyne Bridge Morris – a women’s clog dancing team

Smokin’ Sisters – a 20-piece all female singing group who specialise in world music

Cloud Nine Theatre company with their comic mime plays and Housewife – five musical troubadours.

They will join other international entertainers – including world-class uni-cyclist champion Witty Look from Japan, an Australian balloon artist who will transform environmentally-friendly latex balloons into fun creations and the colourful Belladonna and her Venus fly trap, who will dispense gardening tips – so the event caters for all the family.

Coun John Stirling, North Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for Sustainable Development said: “We want to get the message across to people that caring for our environment isn’t just easy, but it can also be fun. The whole aim of the event will be to show everyone that whatever your lifestyle, there will be some very simple solutions to being more environmentally aware.”

Steve Manchee, Chairman of North Tyneside Friends of the Earth, said: “With oil and gas prices set to continue rising over the coming years, it has never been more crucial to change our lifestyles. The Big Green Station Day will help residents to take on board these necessary changes.”

Among the exhibitors will be North Tyneside Council with its new recycling scheme and a wormery to demonstrate the intricacies of natural waste disposal. There will also be an appearance by Waldo – the council’s green campaigner who is helping the borough’s children to be environmentally aware.

Even the refreshments will be environmentally friendly, with a smoothie-making bike and Fairtrade products among the choices available.

The event will take place on August 30, between 10am and 4pm, at Whitley Bay Metro Station.