Last year, many were disappointed when it was announced that there would be no Green Fair. No one was sure when, or indeed if, it would ever return. It was suggested that it was cancelled for 'security' reasons. Some believed it was cancelled because the residents of the new development in Canbury Gardens had objected to the disturbance.

But this year, on 3rd June, it was back. Though it did not seem to have the promotion it has had in the past, it was one of the best Green Fairs Kingston has seen.

So what is the Green Fair? Well Kingston has hosted the Green Fair for 15 years. It attracts around 15,000 visitors which makes it the UK's most successful one day green family event. It is organised and managed by a team of local environmental activists. The fair is actually non profit making and most of the 250 organisers and workers are volunteers.

The Fair is about community, ecology and creativity. Everything at the fair is powered by the sun, wind or bicycles. Not only does this keep the noise levels and pollution down, it gives people first hand experience of other energy sources. People are invited to help pedal to keep the musical instruments and amplifiers going.

Around 100 performers come from every continent to dance, sing, perform and speak. They all have one thing in common - creativity. Many people go the Fair for the fantastic organic and vegetarian food or the music but you can't help but be amazed by these performers. The dominatrix dragging her colourful 'dog' around, the military man with pixie ears and mushroom for an umbrella and the woodland monsters were just a few of the bizarre sights.

The kids love it. They had a chance to have a go at circus skills like stilt walking, unicycling and plate spinning - all totally accessible with help at hand if they needed it. There were trampolines, hand powered merry-go-rounds and strange bits of wood and paper sticking out of the ground which were a big hit with the toddlers.

There were also lots of hands on experiences for them like the bike (left) which showed children how their energy can be converted into light.

Many local charities and organisations take part so it is a good opportunity to find out exactly what, for example Amnesty International do or how the National Childbirth Trust can help new families. How to have a child without adding to the disposable nappy mountain or what the London Cycling Campaign is up to. The great thing is that these organisations are there to educate and give information to people who ask. They don't jump on you in a propaganda thrusting frenzy. If you want to know how to heat your water using solar panels, the information is there for the taking.

In addition to the theatre and dance there were fantastic music performances by Seize the Day (English, top class protest music), Chimianimani (High calibre Zimbabwean dance music) , Jambience (Aussie Style Fast and Furious Didge Band) and The classic Rock Orchestra performing 'Lord of the Rings'.

There are lots of things to buy, hand made jewellery of every type, rugs, herbs, clothes, candles, hemp products and even musical instruments. You could have an Indian head massage or learn to meditate. There were weird and wonderful happenings in tents where people were invited to roll around and pat each other.

Security was excellent. The police were there and they seemed to enjoy the day as did everyone else.

The fair is an explosion of colour and probably one of the only events were you actually see things you haven't seen before. One of the most exciting things about the fair is the gathering together of people who are brave enough to have a different take on life and dedicated enough to take the time to educate others in creative and entertaining ways. The result of their hard work is that slowly the message is getting through.

For general enquiries about the 2003 Green Fair e-mail info@kingstongreenfair.org

See the Gallery page for more green Fair images.

Click here for issue 1 "Ooh What a Performance!"
Click here for issue 2 "Ooh What a Performance!"
Click here for issue 3 "Ooh What a Performance!"
Click here for issue 4 "Ooh What a Performance!"
Click here for issue 5 "Ooh What a Performance!"
Click here for issue 6 "Ooh What a Performance!"
Click here for issue 7 "Ooh What a Performance"
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