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Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Greenbelt Festival launches NO FLY ZONE, its virtual live-streaming ticket venue
Ever missed out on a festival? It's time to end the FOMO. Greenbelt Festival is launching the NO FLY ZONE, a new virtual venue in partnership with Christian Aid. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The NO FLY ZONE will live stream from morning until night throughout the festival weekend. Think of it as a mini-festival from the comfort of your own home, watch anywhere in the world. And the icing on the festival cake? A NO FLY ZONE virtual festival-goer weekend ticket is just £35! It's often said that Greenbelt is a festival that defies simple description; a mix of music, artistry, activism, belief, theatre, comedy, art and ideas. It's somewhere to belong to, somewhere to believe in. Greenbelt's NO FLY ZONE venue offers just that. Now you can be part of it without physically being there. The venue will livestream pretty much 100% of its programming every day; it'll feel like a condensed microcosm of Greenbelt Festival at large. Catch some festival favourites… NO FLY ZONE TICKET PRICING PHENOMENAL SONGWRITERS Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Don't miss Martyn Joseph, a completely unique, mind-blowing artist. His talent is compelling, energetic and passionate. Each day he'll be hosting his songwriter circle show The Rising live from the NO FLY ZONE where he'll be joined by a guest from another part of the world as well as a live guest. Remote singer-songwriters include the brilliant talents of Canadian Dave Gunning, American Crys Matthews and Englishman abroad Tom McRae SLAM DUNK Slam-poetry and spoken word legend, Harry Baker, will be offering up a daily injection of Worldwide Woken Spurred. Prepared to be thrilled and inspired by the blistering wordplay from slam poets Luka Lesson from Australia, and Lyndsay Rush (aka Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin online) from the States. NO FLY ZONE PROGRAMME POETRY EXPOSED Poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama will be hosting a Poetry Unbound-style daily show live from the NO FLY ZONE venue featuring an eclectic mix of inspiring guests including Rumi translator and poet Haleh Liza Gafori from New York City. WHO ELSE? The programme also includes globally renowned authors, including one of our greatest living novelists, Marilynne Robinson from the States, the prolific award-winning author, Tim Winton from Australia with his most recent novel Juice, and philosopher-activist Dougald Hine from the small Swedish town of Östervåla. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In addition, the NO FLY ZONE plans to connect with Daoud Nassar and family at The Tent of Nations in the West Bank, and team up with Brian Eno in conversation with Liz Slade to take a deep dive on the subject 'Is Art a Form of Religion or is Religion a Form of Art'. The venue will also livestream a simple act of Communion service on Sunday morning, and dig into global development issues with its main partners Christian Aid and others. GREENBELT'S HEADLINERS But if you want to experience Greenbelt IRL then here's who to look out for. Headliners include activist and Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh; disco soul gospel legends Annie and the Caldwells; Queen of English folk Kate Rusby; afro-fusion collective K.O.G.; clothier, sustainability advocate, the Sewing Bee's Patrick Grant, tragi-comedy coming-of-age one-man show Jesus, Jane, Mother & Me; musician and activist Brian Eno; politician Jeremy Corbyn; Mercury Prize-nominated singer, songwriter Nadine Shah; stand-up comedian Lost Voice Guy; Rizzle Kicks' Jordan Stephens and Silent Witness actor and disability activist, Liz Carr. QUITE THE LIST! WANNA KNOW MORE? Pop over to Greenbelt's website to check it out in all its glory - here. FESTIVAL CREDENTIALS Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Each year Greenbelt strives to deliver a festival rich in diversity. Since its inception 51 years ago, its ethos has always been to create a space that is inclusive and representative. Great artistry, courageous activism and open-hearted belief has always been at the heart of the festival's programming. A true trailblazer amongst UK's festivals, Greenbelt believes in creating a diverse, intentional, all-inclusive line-up. The first Greenbelt took place in 1974 on a Suffolk farm with the words 'If you've got a field, you've got a festival'. The Sun Newspaper reviewed the first one as 'The Nice People's Pop Festival', but it was more subversive than it appeared. Over the years Greenbelt has welcomed headline acts such as Pussy Riot, Sinead O'Connor, Kae Tempest, Estelle, Laura Mvula, Magic Numbers, Ezra Furman, and Mavis Staples to name but a few! It has seen early performances by future global artists such as Ed Sheeren, Corinne Bailey Rae, as well as the mighty U2 who played Greenbelt in 1981 when they had only released their first album. FESTIVAL DATE & VENUE Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 August 2025 l Boughton House l Kettering TICKET INFORMATION You can get your NO FLY ZONE tickets here. Or you can buy tickets and find out more about Greenbelt's ticketing structure here. FOLLOW
BBC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Wiltshire in Pictures: Shindig, dancers and crop circles
The week began with Shindig still going strong at its new home at Charlton Park, but it wasn't the only event entertaining people in Chippenham Folk Festival also got the music playing, and the opening of Bowood's walled garden drew in the Aid volunteers were out and about raising money for good causes, and a mysterious crop circle appeared in Sutton is a selection of images from across the county. Ready for 2026? The organisers of Shindig, which took place at its new home at Charlton Park at the weekend, say tickets are already on sale for next year as the festival enjoyed a successful Wiltshire debut. Mysterious: A beautifully-cut crop circle has appeared overnight at a farm in Sutton Veny. Visitors from as far afield as Brazil and Finland have been to see the circle, with locals none the wiser as to who's responsible. Blooming great: Having opened to the public for the first time in April, Bowood's Walled Garden is coming into its own following the surprisingly warm spring. One of the main beneficiaries is the garden's collection of pink roses, which are now fully in bloom ahead of schedule. Atmospheric: A change in the weather has created some interesting skies, and our Weather Watchers Chris and Tam were in the right place at the right time to snap this threatening-looking cloud over Liddington Hill, near Swindon. Challenge accepted: Fundraisers from Colerne Parish Church have been going the extra mile during May, raising money for Christian Aid. The church has taken on the charity's 70k in May challenge and organised four walks along different sections of the new Athelstan Pilgrim Way. They've completed three and have one left to complete on the final day of the month. Let's dance: The Chippenham Folk Festival returned to delight the crowds over the bank holiday weekend. The celebration of music, dance and entertainment was held across the town with the Morris dancing proving particularly popular. High praise: One of the county's favourite independent shops has been honoured in the prestigious Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2025. Highworth Emporium was named Best Independent Gift Retailer in the South West at a ceremony last week and the owners celebrated by decorating the shop with a giant pink bow. Rare appearance: The elusive Burnt-Tip orchid has been sighted in the county, delighting local anthophiles. The orchid, with honey scented flowers, is the county flower of Wiltshire and only appears for a short period between late May and early June.
Deccan Herald
4 days ago
- Science
- Deccan Herald
Monoculture cropping threatens banana cultivation: Experts
The response comes in the wake of a report titled 'Going Bananas: how climate change threatens the world's favourite fruit' by the London-based experts associated with Christian Aid. The report focused on India, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Tanzania.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Beloved fruit faces devastating collapse as threat worsens for farms: 'What has been happening is death'
A new report suggests the future viability of the world's most popular fruit could be in serious jeopardy, according to The Guardian. The report, appropriately titled Going Bananas, was commissioned by Christian Aid and found that by 2080, there could be a 60% reduction in the area suitable for bananas grown for exports. There are many banana varieties, but almost all bananas sold to developed nations are Cavendish. These are chosen for their high yields, long shelf life, distinctive coloring, and taste. Because the global market is so heavily dependent on a single variant, Cavendish bananas are particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures, extreme weather, and disease. The authors of the report spoke to several banana farmers, including Aurelia, 53, from Guatemala, who said: "What is happening is that my plantation has been dying. So, what has been happening is death. Death to my crops." The Cavendish can be grown between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius and is sensitive to water shortages and flooding. Rising temperatures caused by pollution from dirty energy sources result in more frequent and severe extreme weather events that can destroy crop yields. Warmer temperatures also make fungal infections more widespread. Bananas as a crop were nearly wiped out in the 1950s by Panama disease, per Time, and the Cavendish became successful because it was a variety of banana more resistant to it, but it's hardly inconceivable that a new variant of Panama disease could emerge. Bananas are a key cash crop and food source for millions across the Caribbean and Latin America. Eighty percent of banana exports come from this area. Additionally, 400 million people rely on bananas for a substantial portion of their daily calories. What makes the problem so tragic is that the people on the sharp edge of the crisis had so little to do with creating it. For example, Guatemala is the eighth-largest producer of bananas worldwide, per World Population Review, but is responsible for just 0.052% of the world's harmful pollution, according to Worldometer. As Osai Ojigho, Christian Aid's director of policy and campaigns, told The Guardian, "The lives and livelihoods of people who have done nothing to cause the climate crisis are already under threat." The study calls for a multifaceted approach to mitigating the future crisis. The first is reducing global pollution. The second is providing targeted support for farmers and transitioning to more just and sustainable food systems. Would you buy juice or yogurt made with bruised or misshapen fruit? If I couldn't tell the difference If it were cheaper If it were healthier I'd never buy it Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Individuals can also help by shopping smarter, being aware of climate issues, and supporting local initiatives. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church receives prestigious Eco-Congregation Scotland Gold Award
Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church is delighted to announce that it has been named a recipient of the Eco-Congregation Scotland Gold Award, making it only the 12th congregation in Scotland to achieve this recognition. The award celebrates the church's commitment to environmental stewardship and its active role in fostering community sustainability. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church is delighted to announce that it has been named a recipient of the Eco-Congregation Scotland Gold Award, making it only the 12th congregation in Scotland to achieve this recognition. The award celebrates the church's commitment to environmental stewardship and its active role in fostering community sustainability. Assessors praised the congregation for its outstanding collaborative spirit and energetic involvement in environmental initiatives. Highlights of the commendation include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Team Working Excellence: The assessment noted the exceptional level of cooperation among various groups, with eco-friendly practices deeply embedded into the daily life of the congregation. The assessment noted the exceptional level of cooperation among various groups, with eco-friendly practices deeply embedded into the daily life of the congregation. Broad Community Engagement: The church has been lauded for its strong support and active participation in numerous local environmental groups. The church has been lauded for its strong support and active participation in numerous local environmental groups. Integration of Faith and Ecology: Church leaders have effectively incorporated environmental issues into the spiritual and practical life of their community. Church leaders have effectively incorporated environmental issues into the spiritual and practical life of their community. Innovative Initiatives: Special mention was made of the work behind the Heat Hack initiative and the variety of events that both raise awareness and promote environmental action. Special mention was made of the work behind the Heat Hack initiative and the variety of events that both raise awareness and promote environmental action. Civic Involvement: The church's engagement with Christian Aid and its proactive stance on climate change—evidenced through organizing an Election Hustings and political lobbying Dalmeny and Queensferry Church is celebrating The Great Big Green Week (7th–15th June 2024) with a series of community events promoting sustainability, creativity, and connection. From upcycling at the "Make Do and Mend Café" to book swaps, eco-cafés, and fun-filled family mornings, the week offers something for everyone. Events will be held at both Queensferry Parish Church and Dalmeny Church Hall. The Eco Congregation lead from Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church commented, "This award is a real acknowledgment of the hard work that has gone in over the past 5 years or more from so many people within the congregation. We are delighted to be recognised and remain committed to advancing our environmental projects while inspiring others to join us in caring for our shared creation."
