Promoting sustainable living is focus of London festival

A people-powered dance floor, a laptop which runs on the energy generated by a bicycle, and edible flowers are among the attractions at A Garden Party to Make A Difference, taking place from 8 to 19 September.

The event is part of The Prince of Wales’s Start initiative, which aims to demonstrate what a more energy efficient, cleaner and healthier future could look like and the steps people can take to contribute, whether insulating their home with sheep wool or digging their own vegetable patch.

The festival will take place in the gardens of Marlborough House (headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat), Clarence House, and Lancaster House and will run from 10am to 6pm daily.

“It is up to each and every one of us to take steps to ensure that today’s young people inherit a planet that has not been destroyed by climate change,” said Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma. “Positive efforts such as Start, which raise awareness of sustainable living, are an appealing way of inspiring people to make sure this goal is realised.”

Those who attend the festival can learn what to do with half-full pots of paint stored away in their garages; hear how they can reduce waste and packaging in their homes; and find out more about the benefits of solar windows and eco-cars.

There will also be opportunities to discuss organic gardening with onsite experts, as well as learn how to upcycle clothes for both children and adults.

Over the 12-day garden party, visitors will be entertained by a comedians, poets and musicians. The comedian Marcus Brigstocke, the impressionist Alistair McGowan and the playwright Ben Elton, among others, will each give a performance, as will Britain’s first ever female Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, and musicians Rolf Harris and Jools Holland.

“I am delighted to be able to welcome visitors into my gardens, and those of my immediate neighbours, for this exciting festival,” said His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. “We have a fantastic team of talented curators who are helping us create an event which will, I hope, be both fun and informative. This festival is just one way in which Start can help to demonstrate how we can all make a difference, however big or small the steps we take.”

Press enquiries

For further information on the event, please contact Rebecca Gibbs (Rebecca@ldcommunications.co.uk) or Doug Wright (Doug.Wright@ldcommunications.co.uk) on 020 7439 7222.

Key Links:

• Take a virtual tour of Marlborough House

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• A garden party to make a difference