Over the bank holiday weekend, the community came together in Sevenoaks for two lively events on the Vine – the Climate Fair on Saturday 2 May, followed by a family theatre show and crafts workshop on Sunday 3 May.
Climate Fair
The Climate Fair, organised by Sevenoaks Climate Action Network with support from Sevenoaks Town Council, offered a full day of activities. Visitors enjoyed inspiring talks, live music and performances, alongside a wide range of stalls showcasing eco-friendly products, food and services. Local charities were on hand to share practical advice and ways for residents to get involved in environmental initiatives.
The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Tony Clayton, officially opened the event and thanked Sevenoaks Climate Action Network for organising the day. He said of the event, “The strong theme running through this year’s Climate Fair was ‘Energy’. Speakers and stalls showed how to use solar, heat pumps and other technologies to cut your carbon footprint and your bills. As costs of renewable energy come down, it makes sense for more people – in homes and businesses – to make the switch. For example, Sevenoaks School now produces much of its own power – and saves money.”
The Mayor added, “I was delighted to hear that Sevenoaks Climate Action Network is creating a Community Interest Company. That means it should be able to start community investment projects, working with local councils and businesses, to invest in renewable energy and a ‘library of things’. Both will save money for Sevenoaks residents and reduce carbon emissions.”
Professor Slug’s House of Bugs
The following day, around 200 people came to the children’s theatre show, Professor Slug’s House of Bugs by Giles Shenton Productions, hosted by Sevenoaks Town Council as part of Sevenoaks in Bloom.
This year’s Sevenoaks in Bloom campaign celebrates the work of Sir David Attenborough, as he turns 100 this month. The town’s In Bloom campaign also focuses on the importance of bugs as pollinators.
While enjoying the theatre show, children created artwork for a Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope Gallery community project and painted David Attenborough and insect- themed rocks. The rocks will be placed around the Vine during the summer as part of Sevenoaks’ South & South East in Bloom competition entry.
Sevenoaks in Bloom volunteering
The community will once again play a vital role in preparing for this year’s In Bloom competition – helping to water, weed and tidy, as well as create knitted bugs and outdoor sculptures inspired by David Attenborough. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact [email protected] or call Sevenoaks Town Council on 01732 459953.
Upcoming events
Sevenoaks Town Council has two more community events coming up in May, with the first on Saturday 23 May – a children’s activity stall and live music at Bligh’s to celebrate this year’s Love Your Local Market campaign.
Then on Saturday 30 May, a Health & Wellness Fair will be held on the Vine. At this free to enter event, the community can browse stalls and see demonstrations from sports and activity clubs, as well as speak to health support services. More information can be found at www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk
