One Planet Norwich Festival attracts thousands of families

Budding eco-warriors can learn the importance of protecting planet earth at a free interactive city centre attraction this weekend.

The One Planet Norwich Festival, organised by Norwich City Council, started today at the Forum and attracted thousands of families, children and toddlers.

Thought-provoking and fun activities are being put on to encourage adults to make small changes to improve the environment as well as pass on an environmentally-friendly legacy to youngsters.

Activities include a cycle-powered cinema showing a Wallace and Gromit film and cycle-powered race car track, an interactive science show, seed planting, a photograph exhibition showing worldwide landscapes, a seedball-making workshop to encourage bees and nature, and guided walks.

Visitors can also hear live music, learn about car sharing and allotment opportunities in the city, recycling, vegetarianism and veganism and sustainable living.

Claire Tullett, environmental strategy officer for the council, said: 'We are trying to educate and empower people in a fun way. It is about legacy and what people are leaving behind for the younger generation.

'It is a different way to approach the subject - we need to live within our means.'

The One Planet ethos is about encouraging people to live in a more sustainable way and limiting CO2 emissions.

Globally, the human race is consuming naturally-renewing resources and polluting the planet at a level 42pc higher than the earth can sustain, according to the Bioregional charity.

One Planet Norwich Festival, in its third year, aims to tackle this issue through inspiring people to take action.

'There are small steps that everyone can take,' Ms Tullett added.

Ben Bridgeman, 31, from Lowry Cole Road in Sprowston, Norwich, who visited the festival with his four-year-old daughter Pearl, said: 'It is very informative and encourages people into the direction of living in a sustainable way. It gets people talking about it which is important.'

Charlotte Archer, 40, from Norwich, who was at the event with her six-year-old son Zack, said: 'The activities are really varied. There is lots of useful information about being environmentally-friendly. It is great for the community.'

The festival continues tomorrow from 10am-4pm and for more information like One Planet Norwich on Facebook or visit www.norwich.gov.uk/oneplanetnorwich