The idea for an event to raise climate-awareness and promote action was inspired by hearing Mike Berners-Lee launch his excellent book ‘There is No Planet B’ at Hay Book Festival in 2018.
In mid-2020 we invited people with expertise and experience in Alnwick including Friends of the Earth and the Duchess’s Community High School to join us in setting up an event that could combine arts and science to celebrate the planet and raise awareness of the growing threats from climate change. Our aim was to inspire and challenge people of all ages and especially young people to use their creative talents to help bring greater understanding of climate change and biodiversity loss.
The What a Wonderful Trust became a registered charity in August 2021.
Our first event was a one-day Climate Action Day in Alnwick in October 2021 to raise awareness about the UN climate summit, COP 26. Over 200 mainly local people came along to listen to speakers, watch performances by local schools including a brilliant Trash Fashion show by Glendale Community Middle School.
The 2022 Festival brought top performers and climate experts to Alnwick Playhouse and a concert at the Alnwick Garden. There was a great buzz of interest and excitement at both venues which spurred us on to present a three-day Festival 30 June - 2 July 2023.
With our partners and funders, we are working to create a stimulating programme that will remind us that it is a wonderful world and we must do all we can to keep it safe.
Liz and Alistair Anderson. Co-Directors