We recognise the serious threat that climate change has to our future, our wellbeing, and our culture. It impacts how we deliver our 10-day Arts Festival, year-round Arts Live programme and Stage iT. Therefore, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact, working directly, and in partnership with our participating venues and our network.

We are a proud member of the Green Arts Initiative, a project designed to support festivals, venues, artists, and audiences in reducing their carbon footprint while participating in the arts. We have contributed to the council’s event strategy policy and continue to learn and grow as we take positive steps to reducing our carbon footprint. We are in the process of creating a carbon reduction plan and aim to reduce our emission to net-zero by 2030.

Here are the ways in which we are minimising our impact on the environment:

  • Reduce the amount of printed promotional materials we produce annually and create digital content as much as possible
  • Communicate by online by email rather than by letter to reduce our paper printing, using paper-free systems where possible
  • Identify and promote training and other learning opportunities for staff and volunteers to develop our understanding of environmental issues
  • Switching off electronic equipment when they are not in use
  • Recycling our waste and encouraging the recycling of waste produced during performances
  • Encouraging travel by public transport as much as possible in a rural context
  • Programming performances that reflects on themes and issues of environmental sustainability

Here is how you can help:

  • Travel: Consider travelling to our events by public transport, walking or cycling. We understand that due to our rurality, this may not be feasible and that you must travel by car to get around. By car, consider safe car-share options to reduce the amount of cars travelling.
  • Accommodation: If you are booking accommodation, look for a place to stay with Green Tourism awards.
  • Printing Tickets: You don’t need to print your tickets off at home to attend an event. After you have booked, we take a register of your name so you can either state your name at the entrance door or show a copy of your booking via your mobile device. This will reduce the amount of paper printed.
  • Recycle: please use recycling facilities and ask staff if you cannot find them.
  • Reuse: try to avoid single-use plastics by bringing a KeepCup with you for your hot drinks and beverages.