Introducing...

The ‘green’ and environmentally aware event took place on Saturday 16th  August, offering a whole host of local bands and ecologically friendly stalls to entertain and educate local people.

So, never one to shy away from the issues of the day (!), the Weekender took the night off from mere musical comedy and high-japery to ask the bands and organisers of the event – can music really have an impact on issues such as the environment? Or do the punters just show up for the beer and veggie burritos rather than any burning desire to change the world?

Northampton's finest go green...

This year the fair featured nine stages, offering some of the county’s most exciting and upcoming bands and artists including the likes of  Tarantism, Joel Harries, Line & A Dot, Vicky Stuart, Felt Tip Thieves, Katie Malco, not to mention plenty of other Weekender favourites!

Keen to promote diversity, the fair also had some more unusual and interesting offerings ranging from spoken word performers and dubstep acts to a jazz and classical stage. The event also incorporated a number of youth projects, showcasing young talent from across the county.

The green test

The event aims to promote awareness of green alternatives and celebrate Northampton’s diverse community by involving local suppliers and performers. The fair encourages the use of public transport, walking or cycling to reduce the carbon footprint of the festival.

In an interview for the Weekender, Ian Bates, project co-ordinator for the festival explained that the generators in use at the festival run on reclaimed vegetable oil. A budget was also set aside for carbon offsetting.

To find out how our mini-debate went, and to hear our full feature on The Umbrella Fair listen again to the Weekender using the BBC player.

For more information on The Umbrella Fair, you can visit their website: