photo: Liz Isles

Environmental and Sustainability Policy

The Presteigne Festival is deeply aware of its responsibility to respond to the climate crisis and to mitigate it in all areas of activity. This policy cites specific measures we are taking at the time of writing, and is part of an evolving picture, as we examine the environmental impact of all our decisions, and seek to improve performance within the practical and financial limitations we face. We recognise the impact activities such as ours can have on the local environment, community and economy. The document encapsulates the Festival’s current environmental measures, and the steps we take to ensure sustainability and positive impact on our host community.

Environment

We have adopted the following practices in order to minimise the Festival’s carbon footprint and to respond to the climate crisis:

• We use recycled paper for publicity material.
• We separate and recycle waste produced, with minimal amounts going to landfill.
• We strive towards being a paperless organisation, using email and online options where possible.
• We moderate individual car usage by offering coach transportation and encourage car shares from Presteigne to out-lying venues during the Festival period.
• We minimise energy consumption by using appropriate energy-efficient equipment and technology and require our suppliers to do likewise.
• We seek to eliminate the need for artist air travel.
• We reflect concern for the local countryside, flora and fauna by featuring environmentally themed events and artistic output.
• We promote use of public transport for artists and audiences travelling to Presteigne, with details made clear on the Festival website and in Festival visitor  information sent to ticket buyers in advance.
• Where use of plastics is unavoidable, we ensure that they are never single use, but of a quality for repeat use and/or repurposing.

Economic

The Presteigne Festival uses the following steps to contribute to the local economy whilst meeting the needs of the organisation:

• We use local suppliers where possible for our needs, especially for catering and for the provision of technical expertise.
• We use a locally-based volunteer pool and workforce where possible.
• We encourage our audience to utilise local services such as accommodation, shops and restaurants.
• We investigate new ways to promote and involve local businesses with the Festival.
• We work with sections of the community that have specific needs to overcome barriers to participation.
• We work in partnership with local organisations, both those involved in arts activity and others.

Social

• We work with partners to involve the local community in major decisions and developments, and to reach sections of the community who might be disengaged.
• We respect the local community and cause as little inconvenience to them as possible during the Festival period, communicating regularly with those likely to be impacted.
• We complement education provision in the area by offering special arts projects that open up creative opportunities.
• We enhance creative opportunity for older and isolated sections of the community through participatory arts projects.
• We identify ways to partner our events with appropriate local voluntary organisations and local businesses.
• We sustain and seek new ways to make Festival events accessible to everyone, particularly those sectors of the local population for whom there are barriers to attendance.