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The UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world, the Festival of Nature (04-10 June), is marking its 15th birthday this summer with its biggest programme yet, promising a wild adventure for all the family.
The artist, Luke Jerram, will also unveil his new artwork, Inhale, at the festival. Created three million times larger than the real size of a diesel soot particle, the sculpture stands at 3m tall and shows what humans are breathing in as a result of air pollution.
On Saturday 09 and Sunday 10 June, more than 50 Nature organisations will take over Millennium Square and the Harbourside, where families can go wild with free interactive exhibitions, live performances and talks from the giants of the natural history world.
Following the region’s success during the international City Nature Challenge, which saw Bristol and Bath securing top spot in Europe in an epic race to find the most wildlife, the festival is another great opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about the natural world.
Savita Willmott, director at Bristol Nature History Consortium, which organises the festival said, ‘To celebrate our 15th birthday, we wanted this year’s Festival of Nature to be the most ambitious and far-reaching programme yet. After Bristol and Bath secured top spot in Europe for the City Nature Challenge, we’re excited to carry on the celebrations and continue bringing Nature to life with a fantastic varied programme for both kids and adults.’
Savita added that the aim of the Festival of Nature is to ‘inspire city dwellers and people across the Bristol and Bath region to help protect our natural world.’
There are lots of fascinating events leading up to the big weekend, including a panel discussion on sustainable fashion, talks on virtual reality and wildlife and a chance to listen to the experts from the BBC’s Big Cats.
All events are free to enter; tickets are available to book before events.
Here are the top eight ways families can celebrate Nature during the festival.
TUESDAY 05 JUNE
Discover how ‘Springwatch was sprung’ with a very special talk about the BAFTA award-winning show’s history. Former Springwatch producers Tim Scoones and Stephen Moss will also offer a behind-the-scenes view of their favourite wildlife moments
TUESDAY 05 JUNE
From conservation virtual reality projects to using artificial intelligence to stop illegal fishing and an app that connects people with wildlife, find out how technology helps society understand the natural world with an evening of incredible talks.
WEDNESDAY 06 JUNE
Join BBC Natural History alumni Paul Williams and Colin Jackson as they share the highlights of their career and explain how technology helped capture the lives of the BBC’s Big Cats.
THURSDAY 07 JUNE
How does laundry contribute to climate change? The ‘Laundry Pile’ installation will explore the relationships between laundry and Nature using photography, illustrations and performances, free at Arnolfini.
THURSDAY 07 JUNE
Bringing together a panel of industry leaders, ‘The Nature of Fashion’ will discuss what the future of sustainable fashion could look like and how designers and brands can work with, not against, Nature.
SATURDAY 09 & SUNDAY 10 JUNE
Head to the Festival of Nature Talks Tent and discover wildlife adventuring at its best with back-to-back talks from celebrities, experts and authors
SATURDAY 09 & SUNDAY 10 JUNE
Listen to colourful sounds and incredible voices from musicians Alex Hedley, King Louise, Sakia, Jack Cookson and more in our pop-up Waterfront market.
SATURDAY 09 & SUNDAY 10 JUNE
Relax in the beautiful wildlife garden in the Amphitheatre and tuck into delicious food and drink from local ethical providers.
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