Greenfest 2025 - a day of inspiration, education, and hands-on activities focused on sustainability and environmental action at St Bart’s School, Newbury

More than a thousand people enjoyed a day of inspiration, education, and hands-on activities focused on sustainability and environmental action in Newbury.

GreenFest 2025 took place at St Bartholomew’s School on Saturday (April 5) and was a “huge success in inspiring a greener future in West Berkshire” said organisers.

Welcoming the public to GreenFest, Ken Neal, chair of West Berkshire Green Exchange, said: “Our thanks also go to Dr David Fitter, headteacher of St Bartholomew’s School, and his staff for welcoming us in and allowing the use of these wonderful facilities.

“Thanks also go to the local eco groups who have responded magnificently to our invitation to share their work.”

Organised by West Berkshire Green Exchange, a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, the festival saw people of all ages and interests come together to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere and showcased the power of community-driven action for a greener future.

The event, which featured over 60 stalls run by local environmental organisations and businesses, all working together to promote sustainability, was officially opened by Billy Drummond, chairman of West Berkshire Council, who was joined by Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire.

Mr Drummond said: “I am thrilled to see so many of you gathered here today, united in our commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future for our community and beyond.”

Ms Bailey, who toured the stalls, talks and activities and talked with local people at the event, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in running Greenfest 2025.

“It was a brilliant day with lots of informative and fun stalls for the whole family. We have such special countryside and nature in Reading West and Mid Berkshire and we are lucky to have so many activists locally who work to conserve and restore it.”

There were a number of hands-on activities such as pedal-powered smoothie bikes, vegetable planting workshops and solar-powered Scalextric races.

A number of experts were also on hand to share valuable insights into topics such as sustainable farming, home energy solutions and practical ways to combat climate change and Kennet Radio kept everyone entertained with music throughout the day.

There were also mending sessions, Mediterranean cooking demonstrations using low-energy techniques, drumming workshops, bug hunts, mask-making stations and rock painting.

One parent said: “My kids loved the bug hunt and then we made a wonderful model grasshopper with AWOL Outdoor Arts and then we did a fantastic drumming workshop with XR Rhythms! They will sleep well tonight!”

And the tasty food and drink offerings were all also sustainable, with vegan treats and other low-carbon options available.

The Greenfest 2025 award for the stall with the most sustainable and engaging outlook - judged by Professor Sir Brian Hoskins, Jackie Hoskins and Lara Lauder - was jointly won by Clean Cut, a St Bartholomew’s School student club selling upcycled glassware and resin based coasters, and Hungerford Food Community, who had cooking demos, pedal-your own-smoothie-bike and lots of local produce for sale.

The £50 prize was sponsored by the West Berks Athena group of women entrepreneurs and executives.

Ruth Craigan, who was visiting GreenFest with her husband, said: “It was great to realise how much we were doing already for nature and the environment, and we’ve come away with some fab easy ideas on how to reduce our carbon footprint a bit more, some lovely recipes to try that use less meat for example.

“Talking people who actually own electric cars has helped us make up our minds that we should now get one - we hadn’t realised how much money we could save!”

Dr Pat Glover, who is part of the organising committee, was asked what motivated her to get involved with GreenFest. She said: “I’m worried about my children’s future, and I’m also concerned that my lifestyle choices are unwittingly making that future even worse.

“The range of activities and information at GreenFest is brilliant for anyone wanting to explore being more sustainable, and it also celebrates all the fantastic work that’s already happening in West Berkshire.”

Richard Marshall, treasurer of the West Berkshire Green Exchange, said it had only been possible with the financial support of Newbury Town Council’s Climate Emergency Fund; Greenham Parish Council; Greenham Trust and lots of other sponsors, and he thanked them all.

“GreenFest 2025 was an incredible celebration of community spirit and the collective drive to create a more sustainable future,” said Nikki Coome of West Berkshire Green Exchange.

“Seeing so many people come together to learn, share ideas, and take action for the environment was truly inspiring.”

For more information about future events or how you can get involved with West Berkshire

Green Exchange’s initiatives, you can visit www.wbge.org.uk/greenfest.