After well over 7,000 people attended the weekend’s Big Green Picnic, organisers the Isle of Wight Council are already looking to the future.
Almost as soon as the Newport site was cleared, the council began thinking about next year’s event and it is also looking to have an Eco Island presence at the forthcoming IW Garlic Festival.
IW Council events manager Ruth Jones said: “We are delighted that so many people attended the first BGP over the weekend despite the uncertain weather forecast.
“The feedback we have had so far has been extremely encouraging. It is clear that local people have a great interest in green issues and are really keen to help the Island achieve its Eco Island aims.
“We are already turning our attention to future events and all options are open in terms of location. There were many advantages to holding it in a central location but we will also consider the merits of moving it to a different location each year.
“We are also looking to attend the garlic festival to further promote the ethos of BGP and Eco Island.”
The purpose of the BGP was to highlight the aims of Eco Island to families and individuals in an entertaining and engaging way. Numerous exhibits and stalls gave visitors the chance to sample local sustainable produce and many others gave information on how people can lead more sustainable lifestyles – from buying re-usable printer cartages and non-chlorine swimming pools to eating sustainable local food produce from businesses including Calbourne Classics, the Farmer Market, WI tea tent and Island Vegans and Vegetarians. Visitors could enjoy music from the Bestival Bandstand or other attractions including face painting, a cinema tent and demonstrations of green vehicles.