How Massive Attack's legacy is changing major UK festivals

When Massive Attack set the world record for producing the lowest ever carbon emissions at a gig, the duo hoped it would create a ripple effect across the industry.

And this weekend, as 60,000 descend on Bristol for Forwards Festival, their dream is being realised. For the first time in the music event's history, every stage will be powered by renewable energy.

Other major events including Love Saves the Day and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta also swapped diesel generators for green technology this year.

Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja said their 2024 show was always about systemic change, adding it was gratifying to see this permanent legacy of decarbonisation for festivals.

The 2024 ACT 1.5 Massive Attack music festival in Bristol produced 98% less power-related emissions than comparable shows by being 100% battery powered and selling 100% vegan food, among other things.

Following a record-breaking summer of prolonged heat and dry weather, which has been influenced by human-induced climate change , the duo are hoping more events will introduce sustainable options.

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Forward Festival, which will see the likes of Lorde, Little Simz, Tems & Goldie perform, is using pioneering green hydrogen technology (GeoPura) and a fleet of scalable battery to power the event.

The changes have been made possible with funding from a Clean Power Pilot led by the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), running this summer.

Helen Godwin, Weca mayor, said: "After another exceptionally hot and dry summer, everyone can see how our climate is changing.

"Here in the West of England, we've brought together our brilliant creative industries and clean energy sectors to try to help tackle the climate crisis and clean up our air."

"We've always been a region that cares about our environment, cares about clean energy, about clean air. But we also love to have a good time," said Godwin.

She added that producing dirty air affects people's health.

"We're trying to think of innovative clean ways that we can do that better," she added.

Weca's ambition is to expand the model in 2027, extending it to multiple sectors and paving the way for adoption elsewhere in the UK and internationally.

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