A NEW event to be held later this year in Melksham will help raise awareness of the climate emergency and encourage residents to be more ‘environmental responsible’.
Climate Fest is the idea of Melksham Town Council’s environment and climate working group, who have proposed that the one-day event be held on 17th September, taking place in the Assembly Hall, Town Hall, and Market Place.
Plans for the event are still in the initial stages, but ideas include stalls of businesses and groups showcasing environmentally friendly products, services, and advice; speakers on topics of environmental responsibility; examples of wildflowers and sustainable planting; schools presenting/performing on environmental issues; electric vehicle displays; and the presentation of the Melksham in Bloom Awards with the focus on environmentally responsible gardening.
The group has also proposed constructing a 27-foot cube, made of scaffolding, on the Market Place roundabout in the lead up to the event, that will represent a tonne of carbon and help raise awareness of a person’s carbon footprint.
Chair of the environment and climate working group, cllr Saffi Rabey, told Melksham News, “With climate, environment and bio-diversity stability becoming critical to all, we really felt as a town council that it would be exciting and crucial to get the whole town on board.
“Saturday 17th September will see Melksham’s first Climate Fest, an exciting day of entertainment, information, key note speakers and exciting things for all to get involved with. Watch out over the next couple of months for more exciting news and updates.”
The group hopes to cover the cost of Climate Fest, estimated to be up to £3,115, with grants and business sponsorship.
At a meeting of the town council’s community development committee, councillors agreed to work with the members of the environment and climate working group to host Melksham Climate Fest in September.
