Saving the planet can be fun! That’s the message from organisers ahead of the launch of the first ever Harrogate District Climate Action Festival (CAFé).

The three-week event will be launched at Harrogate College on Saturday 2nd October with 35 exhibitors talking about, and showing, how they are adapting to secure a more sustainable future.

The launch event is free to attend, runs from 10am to 4pm and aims to inspire visitors with all kinds of green innovations.

The day will include live music by students from Leeds Conservatoire – based on the theme of climate.

And there will also be two sheep from Corn Close Care Farm, tied in to a sustainable wool talk, an interactive orienteering quiz and bicycle-powered smoothies.

This smoothie-making bicycle will be one of the exhibits at the Harrogate District Climate Action Festival’s launch event

Harrogate College’s Partnerships and Development Lead, Holly Hansen-Maughan, said:

“Supporting district-wide efforts to secure a greener and fairer future, and providing the green skills that will be needed as we move to a stronger, circular economy is a key part of the college’s work and values.

“This launch day for the district’s first ever Climate Action Festival will be packed with activities that have been designed to entertain, as well as educate, to ensure visitors experience the best of both worlds.

“We would urge everyone to come along and find out more about sustainability and the things we can all do to make a difference – while also enjoying a great day out with some really fun attractions and activities.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors and get the whole festival off to a flying start!”

The launch, sponsored by Techbuyer, will also include keynote speeches from Andy Shepherd, Professor of Earth Observation at the University of Leeds, and Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.

The CAFé, which runs until 21 October, has been organised to provide a green focal point for the district just before the government hosts the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on October 31st.

The festival will also include a Net Zero business conference at Harrogate Convention Centre on Friday 15th October and a variety of fringe events, including a Sustainability Conference for Children on Thursday 14th October.

Your Harrogate’s Nick Hancock was joined by Harrogate College Principal Danny Wild to talk about the Harrogate District Climate Action Festival:

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.