Waterford to Host European Conference on Sustainable Christmas Celebrations

Waterford City will welcome delegates from across Europe for the two-day conference titled Bright & Green Christmas in European Towns: Building a Sustainable Future. Scheduled for November 26th and 27th, 2023, at Dooley’s Hotel, the event aims to bring together festival organisers, sustainability experts, and European representatives to discuss ways to create more environmentally conscious holiday celebrations.

Organised by Waterford City and County Council, this conference follows the city’s successful bid to host the event as part of its designation as the European City of Christmas. Officials have described it as a unique opportunity to lead a continent-wide dialogue on how festive celebrations can be both joyful and sustainable. The initiative reflects Waterford’s ongoing commitment to innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Focus on Sustainability and Collaboration

In partnership with the EU Capital of Christmas Network, the conference will feature case studies from various European “Capitals of Christmas” and workshops aimed at reducing carbon footprints and waste during large public events. Participants can also take part in networking sessions with sustainability experts, providing valuable opportunities for collaboration and guidance on funding local initiatives.

Prominent speakers include Tim Benson, chief executive of Showpower Global, who will share insights on how his company has transformed the live music industry through sustainable energy solutions. Showpower Global is known for designing and managing Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres touring battery system, which boasts a 1.25MW output and a 1.66MWh energy storage capacity. This system is notable for being the only one that has powered a major stadium tour entirely through battery power.

Another key speaker, Rob Van Wegan, a leader in festival sustainability with over two decades of experience, will discuss integrating sustainability into the core of organisational culture. His extensive experience spans both rural and urban festivals across various art forms, equipping him with practical knowledge on embedding environmental responsibility into every stage of event planning.

Furthermore, Gawain Morrison, co-founder of Brink! in Belfast, will address the intersection of creativity and culture in combating climate change. His role as a producer and strategist involves using arts and community engagement to highlight issues such as waste, biodiversity loss, and sustainable urban regeneration. Morrison’s work with the Belfast Sustainable Food Partnership and in developing cultural spaces on derelict sites exemplifies the potential for creativity to drive social and environmental progress.

A Showcase of Sustainable Practices

The programme will also feature a presentation by Trevor Darmody, director of Winterval, alongside Finn Brophy from Waterford City and County Council, who will showcase Winterval Waterford as a model of sustainable event practices to visiting delegates.

The conference expects to attract over fifty representatives from eight European locations, creating a platform for sharing experiences and innovations in building greener, more community-focused festivals.

“We are delighted to host this important European conversation in Waterford,” said Claire Hartley, chair of Winterval. “Our goal is to celebrate the joy of Christmas while taking real steps toward sustainability in our public events.”

This conference marks an important step forward in the ongoing conversation about sustainability in festive celebrations, demonstrating how cities can balance tradition with environmental responsibility.