Get ready, Clevedon! Sustainable Clevedon is thrilled to announce its 2025 Green Shift Festival, taking place from March 20th to 23rd! They are partnering with the fantastic Curzon Cinema and Arts, The Riff Corner, Clevedon schools, and various community groups to bring us an unforgettable experience.
For those unfamiliar with Sustainable Clevedon, it is a group dedicated to making Clevedon a more sustainable and resilient town. Since 2010, they have worked tirelessly with local organisations, councils, and The Transition Network to achieve this vision. As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation since 2025, it is now even better equipped to serve our community.
The Green Shift Festival is a celebration of sustainability and a call to action. It’s a weekend packed with inspiring events, engaging workshops, and thought-provoking discussions. Together, we can create a greener future for Clevedon!
The event kicks off on THURSDAY, 20TH MARCH, with live music from SUTHERING at THE RIFF CORNER (17 Old Church Road, BS21 6LU) Julu Irvine and Heg Brignall, the voices behind Suthering are scheduled to perform at 8.00 p.m.
Imagine soaring harmonies, delicate fingerstyle guitar, and cascading piano weaving together to create a truly captivating listening experience. This is the sound of this exceptional duo, whose fresh approach to folk songwriting has earned them accolades, including praise from BBC Radio’s Genevieve Tudor, who calls them ‘Two excellent singers.'”
Suthering’s music is a perfect fit for the Green Shift Festival, which is a celebration of sustainability and a call to action. Their songs often touch on themes of nature, community, and social conscience, which resonate with the festival’s mission to create a greener future.
“We are so excited to be a part of the Green Shift Festival,” said Julu “We believe that music has the power to inspire change, and we can’t wait to share our songs with the Clevedon community.” Heg Brignall added, “We are also looking forward to learning more about the festival’s sustainability initiatives and how we can all do our part to protect our planet.”
Suthering has been praised by critics for their “exquisite vocal harmonies” and “fresh approach to folk.” Their debut album, “If We Turn Away,” was released in 2022 and was hailed as “a distinguished and hard-hitting collection of beautiful songs.”
On SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd, there will be a GREEN SHIFT COMMUNITY FAIR at St John’s Hall (Hillside Road BS21 6NN.) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Explore a vibrant marketplace of community stalls showcasing the incredible work happening locally to tackle the climate and nature crisis. Discover innovative solutions, connect with passionate individuals, and learn how you can play an active role in creating a sustainable future.
Experience Paul Chinn’s compelling ‘Hope Tree.’ This Clevedon artist, who transitioned from a career in Advertising and Branding and completed studies at the Newlyn School of Art in 2023, relocated to Clevedon in May 2024.
Paul will craft the ‘Hope Tree’ from repurposed materials—wood, cloth, paper, and wire, which will evolve into a community sculpture. Starting at the Community Fair and continuing at the Curzon on Sunday, participants can add colourful leaves inscribed with their fears, ideas, and commitments, bringing the tree to life.
Although we have no image of Paul’s work, these images ‘Let The Light In’ and ‘He’s Gone’ show previous work from the Pulse show at Tremenheere Gallery and Sculpture Gardens in 2023.
Responding to a wasteful world, Paul Chinn creates art from rescued and natural materials, exploring 2D and 3D forms. His process is rooted in the environment, especially Dartmoor’s contrasting landscapes of abandoned quarries and expansive panoramas. This inspires a flowing body of work, where forms and colours cross-pollinate, and the irregular rhythms reflect deep emotionsAnd while you’re there, don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious homemade cakes—all proceeds support local climate initiatives. Go along, be part of the movement, and help build a brighter tomorrow together. Entry is free, although donations are always welcome.
Clevedon Library will also host two events, both focusing on developing emotional resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. These sessions offer a chance to explore the complex emotional landscape surrounding climate change and equip participants with tools to navigate these feelings.
Between 11.00 a.m. and 12.30 p.m., you can look forward to CLIMATE AND NATURE IN POETRY AND PROSE. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience poetry that confronts the urgent realities of climate change and the delicate balance of our natural world. Listen to compelling readings from a selection of poets who grapple with themes of environmental vulnerability and humanity’s complex relationship with the planet. Participants will have the chance to reflect on the poems and share their own responses.
A workshop on emotional resilience will take place between 2.00 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. This interactive workshop will provide practical strategies for managing the emotional challenges that can arise when considering climate change. Participants will learn techniques for grounding themselves, processing difficult emotions like anxiety and grief, and building resilience in the face of uncertainty. The workshop aims to empower individuals to move beyond overwhelming feelings and find ways to engage actively and meaningfully with climate action, fostering a sense of agency and hope.
On SUNDAY, 23rd MARCH, the action moves to the CURZON CINEMA & ARTS (46 Old Church Road, Clevedon, BS21 6NN). From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., students from Clevedon schools will take centre stage, showcasing their inspiring work. They’ll demonstrate how they understand, illustrate, and engage with the critical issues of climate change and nature loss. Through a variety of mediums, including science projects, engaging performances, thought-provoking films, creative art displays, and impactful craftivism, the students will share their unique perspectives and insights on these pressing challenges.
This event offers a fantastic opportunity for children and families to learn more about climate change and nature loss and to see how young people are making a difference. Entry is free for all children and families. Go along and support the students and be inspired by their creativity and commitment to a sustainable future!
This is followed at 1.30 p.m. by an exciting programme of FILM, MUSIC, FOOD, AND DISCUSSION, which continues until 9.30 p.m.
The afternoon kicks off with a compelling Keynote presentation by Peter Lefort from Exeter University’s Green Futures Network. He will offer valuable insights into the landscape of climate and nature campaigns, sharing his expertise and perspectives on the ongoing efforts to address these critical issues.
Following his presentation, Lefort will engage in a dynamic and intergenerational conversation with Jonathon Porritt, a renowned sustainability advocate, and Mya-Rose Craig, also known as “Birdgirl,” a prominent young ornithologist and environmental activist.
This lively discussion will delve into the history of environmental movements, exploring how they have evolved over time, and will examine the significant changes shaping today’s environmental activism. The conversation promises to be both informative and inspiring, bridging the experiences and perspectives of different generations to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the environmental movement.
The Keynote is followed by panel discussions. The first panel, “SQUARING UP TO THE CRISIS,” explores the multifaceted challenges facing society at local, national, and global levels. The panellists, Emma Geen (Disability Climate Justice), The Onion Collective, and Peter Lefort (Green Futures), bring a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the conversation. This promises to be a thought-provoking discussion examining the complexities of the crisis and potential pathways forward.
The second panel, “CLIMATE, NATURE AND ALL OF US: CONVERTING PASSION INTO ACTION FOR CHANGE,” focuses on how we can translate our environmental concerns into tangible action. The panel features prominent voices in the environmental movement: Rob Hopkins (co-founder of the Transition Movement), Richard Lancaster (Greenpeace), Chloe Naldrett (formerly of Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion), and Rhelan Davies (Good Law Project). The discussion will be hosted by Oscar Berglund from Bristol University’s School for Policy Studies, who will guide the conversation and facilitate audience engagement. This session is sure to inspire and empower attendees to become active agents of change.
Throughout the afternoon’s discussions, three short films will be screened, offering moments of reflection and providing a visual counterpoint to the themes being explored. These films will allow us to pause, process the information shared, and consider the issues from a different perspective.
One of these films, “Soil: The World at Our Feet” comes from London’s prestigious arts venue – Somerset House, where an exhibition of the same name is on until the 13th April.
The Curzon team are honoured to have been given permission to screen this film which underscores their commitment to showcasing impactful and thought-provoking cinema.
The film is a documentary following five artists as they explore humanity’s relationship with the soil beneath us. Through the lens of artists and designers, the film uncovers the role of soil in the life of our planet and the way we as humans connect with the natural world. From the microscopic, to the mountain-sized – we unpack the life cycle of soil across the world and how we can reconnect with the ground that sustains us.
To close the Green Shift Festival, we are so lucky to have LIVE MUSIC FROM TOUKI.
Touki is a musical collaboration that beautifully weaves together the rich traditions of West Africa with contemporary folk and world music influences. At its heart are two incredibly talented musicians:
AMADOU DIAGNE: Hailing from Senegal, Amadou Diagne carries the legacy of generations of griots, the traditional storytellers and musicians of West Africa. He is a master of the kora, a harp-like instrument with a distinctive sound, and a skilled guitarist with a unique and intricate style. His music is deeply rooted in the rhythms and melodies of his homeland, reflecting the vibrant culture and history of Senegal.
CORY SEZNEC: A French-American musician based in Paris; Cory Seznec brings a diverse range of influences to the Touki sound. His fingerstyle guitar playing is characterised by its syncopation, polyrhythms, and cross-pollination of musical ideas. He also plays the banjo and is deeply familiar with American folk traditions.
Their chance encounter while busking in Bath, sparked a musical partnership that has blossomed over the years. Touki, meaning “journey” in Wolof (Diagne’s mother tongue), perfectly encapsulates the spirit of their collaboration. Their music is a journey through cultures, traditions, and musical landscapes.
Touki’s music is characterised by intricate melodies, where Diagne’s kora playing and Seznec’s guitar work intertwine to create captivating melodies that draw from both West African and Western musical traditions. The music has complex, driving rhythms influenced by West African percussion and Seznec’s rhythmic style. Touki’s songs often explore meaningful themes of cultural identity, environmental awareness, and personal journeys, inviting listeners to reflect on the world around them. Finally, Touki’s music seamlessly blends elements of West African folk, blues, jazz, and contemporary world music, creating a unique and captivating sound.
Touki’s 2023 album “Plastic Man” delves specifically into themes of climate change, environmental activism, and spirituality, making their performance particularly relevant to the Green Shift Festival’s focus on sustainability and a positive future. Touki’s music, including their debut album “Right of Passage” (2020), is a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration and the ability of music to connect people, offering a celebration of musical diversity that resonates deeply with the festival’s values.
FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS—The Oak Room bar will be open all day for drinks and homemade cakes. You can also pre-book supper from the wonderful HOURIA, who have catered for the Curzon on some occasions. The cost is £15.00 (£13.00) day/concessions and must be pre-booked.
Houria is a Bristol-based CIC that empowers female survivors of slavery and migrant women through food, tackling anti-slavery and anti-racism while fostering healing, skill-building, and community. Their mission aligns perfectly with the Green Shift Festival’s emphasis on community, sustainability, and positive change.
Houria’s pan-African catering company provides training and employment, allowing women to rebuild their lives. Their commitment to food as a vehicle for change resonates with the festival’s focus on sustainable practices, and a focus on local, seasonal, and ethical sourcing would further strengthen this connection.
Community feasts and events celebrate diverse culinary traditions and raise awareness, fostering community and intercultural understanding, key elements of the Green Shift Festival. Their work contributes to a just transition by empowering marginalised women, echoing the festival’s commitment to equitable development. Houria’s values—empowerment, sisterhood, and enterprise—align seamlessly with the festival’s principles, promoting individual agency, collaboration, and a sustainable economy. Houria is a powerful force for positive change. It uses food to transform lives and build a more just and sustainable community, making them a natural partner for the Green Shift Festival. You can find out more about Houria here.
The 2025 Green Shift Festival is more than just a collection of events; it’s an experience designed to ignite a spark of change within each of us. It’s a call to celebrate our planet, to engage in the urgent conversations of our time, and to step forward together to shape a future where sustainability and community thrive hand in hand. From the soulful melodies of Suthering that open the festival, setting a tone of harmony and reflection, to the dynamic rhythms of Touki that close the event, symbolising the journey and collaboration essential for our planet’s future, the festival is a carefully curated invitation to participate in a movement.
Each day of the festival is a new chapter in a larger narrative of change, featuring contributions from local students whose innovative ideas and projects remind us of the power of youthful imagination, to expert panels that dare to dissect the complexities of our current environmental challenges. The Green Shift Festival is a vibrant tapestry of experiences, including poetry, interactive workshops, and community fairs. Each thread is interwoven with the common goal of inspiring action and fostering a collective commitment to our shared environment.
As the festival draws to a close, participants leave with more than just memories; they carry with them a renewed sense of purpose, armed with knowledge, inspiration, and a network of connections, ready to contribute to a future that is as sustainable as it is bright. The Green Shift Festival is a reminder of the strength found in community, the transformative power of collective action, and the unwavering belief that together, we can create a world where both humanity and nature flourish. It’s an invitation to be part of a movement that extends beyond the festival weekend, into the heart of our Clevedon community and beyond.