EventLambeth Update

In the light of the government announcement yesterday about outdoor performances and public events, we understand many organisers will be keen to get going again. We want to ensure this is done as safely as possible and in line with government guidance and public health. Over the coming week, the EventLambeth Team will be working through the latest Government Guidance and alongside key stakeholders to put together requirements for events in Lambeth. There are still requirements around social distancing for all reopening leisure locations, and so it is anticipated that outdoor events will have similar requirements. As ever event organisers are responsible for the audience they are gathering so will be required to have robust plans in place on how attendees are managed and engaged within the Covid-19 guidance. Please note all events in Lambeth parks and open spaces are required to apply to hold an event and follow our application process. We have a minimum notice of 3 months, applications will be subject to fees and other relevant permissions will be required. For more details about the proccess please visit the website https://eventlambeth.co.uk/organising/planning-your-event/ In the meantime, further information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/performing-arts-given-green-light-to-resume-outdoors-on-july-11. We will be in touch once we have more specific...

MoonWalk Celebration ‘Road Trip’

You may have noticed that Lambeth is missing something very big, and very pink this week! It’s the magical pink tent used by cancer charity Walk the Walk, to stage their iconic night-time fundraising challenge, The MoonWalk London! The MoonWalk London 2020 was due to take place this Saturday, 16th May. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event, like so many, has been postponed until further notice. But cancer continues undeterred and with the growing need to raise funds, Walk the Walk is planning a celebration, but not just any celebration, this is a grand ‘MoonWalk Celebration Road Trip’, virtual of course! On Saturday 16th May, Walk the Walk will be setting off (virtually!)…as the crow flies and heading first to Edinburgh in honour of The MoonWalk Scotland on 6th June. From there the Road Trip continues to Iceland (venue for The MoonWalk Iceland) and the finish line for the Grand MoonWalk Celebration on 13th June. A total of 1,190 miles; it is not often that you can say you are walking from Clapham Common to Iceland!   Walk the Walk are encouraging people to sign up for this virtual challenge, which will take place over 29 days. The goal is to get as many people to Iceland as possible – for every 1,190 miles clocked up by walkers, that’s one more person reaching the virtual finish line in Iceland on 13th June! It is free to join the fun, and fundraising is optional, but every penny raised will enable Walk the Walk to continue making a difference to those living with cancer, when they need help most....

Make greener choices this Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and we’re all rushing around trying to get organised, but we still need to consider the environment. When it comes to food, decorations, trees, gifts, travelling, hosting events and everything else this December, be mindful of your choices. According to a recent study by waste management company Biffa: The Christmas period is set to see a whole lot go to waste in the UK, including around 277,000 miles of wrapping paper, up to 2 million turkeys and 74 million mince pies. Here are some ways to reduce the impact at your home, business or event: Christmas Trees and Decorations Reuse an artificial Christmas tree if you have one. Source a second hand tree (and decorations) from gum tree, eBay or charity shop. Make an alternative tree using reused items or materials – Google for ideas. If you’re buying a real tree look for the FSC-Certification logo. Use LED Christmas lights and timers to reduce energy use. Make decorations using things you already have or can forage from outdoors (broken branches or pine cones on the floor). Food Plan ahead to minimise waste. Choose organic and free range meat. Try some veggie and vegan alternatives. Buy items with less packaging, especially plastic. Don’t use plastic straws, plates or cutlery. Donate to your local foodbank. Recycle leftovers using Olio Gifts and Cards Send e-cards or make from material you already have. Don’t wrap in plastic or plastic ribbon. Try wrapping with a scarf or recycled materials. Avoid glitter! Wrapping paper and cards can’t be recycled if contain glitter. Use second hand/charity shops to find Christmas gifts (and...

Making Events Sustainable – Where to Start

We appreciate there are many areas to think about when it comes to delivering a greener event. Some events are already making positive changes towards reducing their environmental impact, however there is a long way to go across the sector. EventLambeth want to help all event organisers move in the right direction and have put together a list of actions to start things off. It is important to remember simple changes and good planning in the early stages can make a big difference. Look at all areas of your event; energy, water, waste and recycling, products, suppliers, staff, promotion and travel. Keep in mind you will also need to think about how this fits into procurement processes, contracting suppliers, front of house plans, back of house operations and how attendees behave at your event. Getting Started: First do some research, there is a wealth of information and ideas out there on how to make your event greener. Read the Lambeth Green Guide to Events. This will give you a clear understanding of all the areas you need to consider and build into your planning process. All events are required to meet the ‘Essential’ criteria. Review your event section by section – look at waste, water, travel, energy, food and serve-ware. Think about the current impact of the event and identify key areas you need to make changes. Involve your contractors and suppliers early to ensure they have time to prepare and understand requirements they need to meet. Start simple. For example, audience transport is one of the greatest impact areas and one of the easiest ones to address. Encourage...

Making Events Sustainable – Lambeth’s New Green Event Guide

As part of the wider Borough plan, EventLambeth is committed to making sure all events are operating and being delivered more sustainably. EventLambeth have been working hard over the past few months to create the new Lambeth Green Events Guide. This guidance has been put together in consultation with the Lambeth Sustainability Team and includes measures such as green travel initiatives, recycling systems, elimination of single use plastic, managing energy and water more efficiently, as well as choosing sustainable products, materials and suppliers. We know the organisation, delivery and operations of events have varying forms of environmental impacts; requiring transport, consuming energy, water, food and materials, and producing waste and carbon emissions.  However, with the new guidance we can work with organisers to ensure they are reducing these impacts and making positive changes. All events in Lambeth parks, open spaces, public highways and buildings are now required to adhere to the Green Guide’s criteria as part of the Terms & Conditions of hire for Outdoor Events and Indoor Events. Read the Lambeth Green Event Guide and watch this space for more blog posts on how to make your event...