THECan music do well also to the planet? There are those who are trying. The phenomenon of eco -sustainable musical festivals is shouting: According to the “Festival Insights 2024” report by A Grener Festival, 46% of festivals in the United Kingdom have today structured environmental managementagainst a minority a few years ago. In France, 35% of events now have a dedicated CSR manager, and as many as 73% of the participants declare themselves willing to pay more for a “green” festival.
The result? Less waste (-29% between 2018 and 2024) And more and more sustainable solutions on the field, from separate collection AI, Green transport, between vegan food and use of “clean” energy. A new paradigm is thus outlining: the festivals are no longer only concerts, but environmental innovation workshops where Culture, economy and ecological responsibility intertwine with growing conviction.
Music festivals, “We love green”: music and ecological consciousness
Let’s talk about this phenomenon with Marianne Hocquard, RSE responsible (Responsibility of the Sociétale d’Entreprise) of the Festival We love greenicon among the French festivals that combine worship stars and environmental support. Expected in Paris from 6 to 8 June with names such as Air, Fka Twigs and Charli XCX, but also LCD Soundsystem, Amelie Lens, Clara Luciani, Paul Kalkbrenner, Miki and many others.
How did the desire to create an eco -sustainable festival born? What was its genesis?
Founded in 2011 by Marie Sabot and Manuel X, We Love Green was born to demonstrate that a great musical event can be compatible with the environment. If the festivals were often synonymous with consumption, the founders have chosen a different path and a double challenge: to produce a low impact event and raise awareness of the public by integrating conferences, educational content and a committed musical programming. The festival has never used diesel generators, preferring biocarbulants and experimenting with solutions such as solar panels, alternative batteries and, in 2022, also hydrogen. A true laboratory of sustainable ideas and great results that we also share with other operators in the sector. Pioneering projects on biodiversity led us to win this year the Green Operations Award At the European Festival Awards: installation of bird nests, local fauna studies and a impact measured in a scientific way on the surrounding environment.
What were the first objectives? And today, what are the future challenges and goals?
Among the initial priorities, soil protection and the reduction of emissions: the use of motor vehicles is prohibited on meadows, replaced by bicycles and light vehicles, with protected routes for logistics. Artistic production is also subject to environmental criteria: in the contracts of the artists are inserted eco-responsibility clauses and precise limits on the use of energy for lights and videos. It is a model that aims to progressively reduce the impact of the festival, also thanks to the active collaboration of all the partners involved.
The sustainable décor of We Love Green.
What other innovations have you made?
One of the most successful is the conference scene, born in 2014. Initially designed for a few dozen people, today it welcomes up to 1200 spectators and is always full. The program alternates great scientific experts and lighter formats, such as the stand-up comedy: since 2022 the Greenwashing Comedy Club Successfully ironically on the contradictions of the “Green” industry: the unbridled dance alternates with the cultural scene, in the same weekend! It seems obvious, but also the scenography of the Festival is designed to last: each element is recorded in an inventory, to be quickly found and reused year after year, with manuals for assembly and storage. An attention that makes the backstage a true circularity model.
Artists at the forefront of the Green music festivals
How did the artists react to your desire to unite music and ecology?
Many have enthusiastically accepted this approach. Some, like Björk or Pomme, were already sensitive to these themes. Since 2023, the entire gastronomic offer – both for the public and for the backstage – is totally vegetable. If initially there have been resistance, today the reactions are positive thanks to the quality of the offer and a well -structured educational work. We ask, if possible, a commitment on the front line: before each concert they are invited to participate in a short “call to action” together with activists or experts on environmental and social issues. A powerful moment of awareness for thousands of people waiting to see their musical myth. Not everyone accepts, often for fear of being accused of inconsistency, but nobody is forced. The sensitization continues also in the backstage, with associations that dialogue directly with the artists.
The French singer Pomme.
Do you have the impression that the public participate in your environmental commitment?
Yes, but only if the artists also exhibit. Their voice is essential to motivate the public and make it participate. For this, in addition to limiting the energy requests of the shows, we work with productions to orient towards more sober and aware choices. The habit must also be built visually: less special effects, more content. However, sustainability has a cost and finding funding remains a challenge. The partners are there, but long -term policies and coherent investments are needed.
Green music festivals, a global movement
Which other festivals considers a reference to sustainability?
Among the favorites there are Shambala in the United Kingdom, completely vegan; Roskilde in Denmark, a very busy giant with sustainable mobility; and vegan digital festivals of Amsterdam and Antwerp. In France, the Pluie de Juillet, Normandy, and Cabaret Vert stand out. Politics also plays an important role: regulatory evolution has contributed to pushing the whole sector towards greater responsibility, developing increasingly innovative formats.
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