London Green Fair

The Fair in 2011

The London Green Fair (previously known as the Camden Green Fair) is an event held on the first Sunday in June in Regent's Park in London, England, coinciding with World Environment Day. Founded in 1982, the Fair aims to inspire Londoners to help make their capital a world-class green city, letting visitors find out about sustainable companies, products, campaigns, and lifestyle choices.

History

The Camden Green Fair began as a Camden focused event in 1991 by a group of local environmental activists, with the aim of raising awareness within their community of various environmental issues. The Fair was originally held in St. James Gardens. The fair began to grow in size year on year, and in 2005 moved to a much bigger, higher profile site in Regent's Park. In 2008 they held the World's Largest Fairtrade Tea Dance to raise awareness of food sustainability and Fairtrade, and were awarded an Outstanding Award by A Greener Festival Award^[1] in 2008^[2] for their environmental performance. The organisers now claim that it is one of the UK’s largest free green events,^[3] attracting some 30,000 visitors each year.

In 2011, the fair became known as the London Green Fair, and in 2012 it celebrated its 20th anniversary and the event was held for the first time across two days.

Organisation

The Camden Green Fair was a registered charity^[4] and was run by a board of trustees. In 2011 the event became known as the London Green Fair and changed its status to a Community Interest Company, no. 07523337. The event has a small staff team who organise and co-ordinate site production, operations, marketing and communications, volunteer management, health and safety and booking stalls and features for each fair. The majority of work is undertaken by unpaid volunteers. More than 60 local and national organisations appear at the Fair.

The entire event is powered using specially designed solar, wind and hydrogen fuel cell power. Waste is collected for composting and as much waste is recycled by eliminating items that cannot be recycled from the site altogether.

The event does not allow camping. Admission is free.

Bikefest

In 2001 the Bikefest was introduced to the London Green Fair and has become a key feature. Held on Chester Road it allows visitors to try a variety of bikes including ones for carrying children, as well as explaining bike security and safety. The Bikefest also features the "Dr Bike" area where visitors' bikes can be given quick check-ups and light repairs. The Bikefest is organised each year by the Camden Cycling Campaign Director, Stefano Casalotti.

References

External links

• Camden Green Fair & Bikefest official website
• Short film on Camden Green Fair
• London Green Fair official website

Coordinates: 51°31′47″N 0°08′51″W / 51.5297°N 0.1476°W / 51.5297; -0.1476