As the UK festival scene amps up for another summer of live music, it’s not just the bass that’s dropping, so are carbon emissions. From Glastonbury to Green Man, festivals across the country are tuning towards sustainability, it’s clear the industry is no longer tone deaf to the climate crisis. With eco-conscious lineups and earth-loving logistics, these events are proving you can party without trashing the planet, and that hitting the high notes doesn’t have to cost the Earth. In this article we will explore the ways in which UK Music Festivals are doing their part.
Glastonbury Festival
Since 2019, single-use plastic bottles have been banned from the festival, with attendees encouraged to bring refillable bottles and utilise the 850+ water refill stations instead. Composting toilets are also widely used, dramatically reducing both water waste and chemicals. [1] In 2023, Glastonbury Festival was ran entirely on renewable energy, which includes all stages and infrastructure, such as the iconic pyramid stage. Solar PV, wind turbines, battery-hybrid systems and HVO biofuel (a diesel alternative made from recycled cooking oil that cuts emissions by up to 90%) were all utilised. [2] Glastonbury also have a tree-planting programme and enforce a fallow year every five years to allow the land to recover and help protect local wildlife and soil. [3]
Shambala Festival
Shambala goes above and beyond the standard green practices, as one of the UK’s most eco-intensive festivals. Just a few of their methods are outlined below:
- Meat-Free Since 2016: All on-site food is vegetarian or vegan, a move estimated to cut carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional festivals. [4]
- Energy: They run almost entirely on renewable energy, including solar panels and battery storage. In some years, they’ve reached 100% fossil-free operation.
- Waste Management: Attendees pay a refundable recycling deposit to incentivise proper sorting and disposal. The result? Over 90% of waste is diverted from landfill.
- Materials: Bans on glitter, plastic bottles, and non-compostable packaging are enforced. Traders must use biodegradable or compostable cutlery and plates.
- Eco-Education: Shambala hosts dozens of sustainability workshops, including sessions on permaculture, climate activism, and low-impact living. [5]
Figure 1: Green Man Festival. [6]
Green Man Festival
The Green Man Festival takes place in the Brecon Beacons National Park where environmental consciousness is at the forefront. Similar to Glastonbury, Green Man’s infrastructure is powered in part by solar and hybrid power units. They’ve also trialled grid-connected renewable energy when available. With suppliers, all food vendors must meet sustainability standards such as using Fairtrade, local, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients. [7] A tent recycling scheme is also in place, ensuring abandoned camping gear is collected and reused or donated. Green Man Festival also has a charitable arm, called the Green Man Trust. This charitable initiative supports sustainability projects across Wales, including green jobs training and local environmental groups. [8]
Who’s Ready for an Encore!?
As awareness of the climate crisis grows, UK music festivals are increasingly stepping up with sustainability initiatives. From transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing waste to rethinking transport and food options, the industry is beginning to embrace its environmental responsibilities. Whether you’re dancing in wellies or working backstage, every eco-conscious choice helps keep the planet in harmony.
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References
[1] HypeBeast (2023) Glastonbury Festival 2023 to Run Entirely on Renewable Energy. [online] Available at: https://hypebeast.com/2023/6/glastonbury-to-run-on-renewable-energy
[2] Promotion Centre (2024) Festivals leading the sustainability charge in 2024. [online] Available at: https://promotioncentre.co.uk/blog/festivals-leading-the-sustainability-charge-in-2024
[3] The Sun (2025) DANCE OFF Reason why there is no Glastonbury Festival in 2026 revealed. [online] Available at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/35594717/reason-why-no-glastonbury-festival-2026
[4] The Guardian (2023) Music to eco-conscious ears: 10 sustainable festivals in the UK and Europe [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/mar/27/10-sustainable-festivals-in-the-uk-and-europe
[5] Pala Eyewear (2024) The UK’s most sustainable festivals. [online] Available at: https://palaeyewear.com/journal/the-uks-most-sustainable-festivals/
[6] Wikimedia Commons (2019) Green Man Festival, Mountain Stage, 2018. [online] Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Green_Man_2019.jpg
[7] DJ Mag (2022) New initiative aims to bring renewable energy to UK festivals [online] Available at: https://djmag.com/news/new-initiative-aims-bring-renewable-energy-uk-festivals
[8] Green Man Trust [online] Available at: https://greenmantrust.org.uk/
