Get set for Darlington Eco Fair as Great Big Green Week gets underway

FINAL preparations are being made for Darlington’s Eco Fair which takes place in and around the town centre this Saturday, June 8th.

Science workshops and demonstrations, Rainforest animal encounters, theatre and fashion shows are among some of the free family fun activities being held across the day.

There will be the chance for people of all ages to try sustainable arts and crafts for free and find out more about living a greener life.*

A willow sculpture activity trail will lead young eco explorers to  lots more free activities across the town centre.

Local and regional eco producers will set their stalls out in the Market Square with information and products including award-winning Acorn Dairy, and a range of gifts, cosmetics, and glass. soap, candle and eco-friendly clothing producers.

The last free seed swap drop-in session of the season will also take place at the library.

The Eco Fair, which runs from 10 am to 3 pm, coincides with the launch of Great Big Green Week, an annual national event which celebrates community action across the UK being taken to tackle climate change and protect nature.

The theme of GBGW this year is swapping and there will be plenty of evidence of swapping happening at the Eco Fair, be it swapping one product for another or one lifestyle for a more sustainable one.

Organisations including Pepperfield Farm (wildlife rehabilitation). Darlington Beekeeper’s Association, Durham Wildlife Trust, Sustrans and Tees Rivers Trust will be on hand to offer information and advice on protecting the local environment.

The Environment Agency is also putting on a free theatre show, at Darlington Hippodrome,  to bring to life the issues around climate change.

Visitors can find out about saving energy, saving money and living more sustainably thanks to Teesside Cloth Nappy Library, National Energy Foundation, Darlington Credit Union and Darlington Association on Disability.

The event attracts stallholders, locally, regionally and nationally and always has something fresh to offfer.

CPRE, the Countryside Charity’s County Durham branch will be exhibiting for the first time.

Andrew Thompson, chair of the Durham branch, said: “CPRE – which used to be the Council for the Preservation of Rural England – has been around for coming up to 100 years, speaking up for the protection of the countryside – but this is the first time we’ve put our message out at the Eco Fair.

“Our appearance is long overdue at the event and hopefully will become part of our regular calendar going forward because it is such a great way to reach the general public and in particular the public who are passionate about protecting the countryside.”

Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: “Whether you are already a convert to living more sustainably, or want to find out more about saving the planet whilst saving money there’s something for everyone at this year’s Eco Fair. 

“It will be a great fun family day out with lots to see, do and learn around the whole town centre. I hope lots of people come down to find out more and join our mission to reach net zero by 2040.“

For full details of the event visit www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/whatson

More details of the council’s work to become carbon neutral and how residents and businesses can get involved can be found at www.darlington.gov.uk/sustainable

*Some of the attractions need to be booked despite being free – check out:  www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/whatson for details.