Julie's Bicycle

Climate Change the 'Hot Topic' in theatre this month by Sholeh Johnston

This year February seems to be the month for theatre that interrogates the implications of climate change. Commitment to climate change action on the whole is still lacking, and now more than ever we need to pull up our socks and address the issue as quickly and practically as ever; this month productions at the National, Royal Court, Tricycle and Arcola will be reminding us why...

junk4funk: my music is rubbish! by Sholeh Johnston

The Nottingham-based music recycling company, junk4funk, has sustainability at the centre of its ethos and gives average household waste packaging new life as musical instruments. They will be appearing next at Nottingham's Light Night festival on 18th February. 

Updates from the London Green Theatre Network by Sholeh Johnston

The latest London Green Theatre Network meeting took place at the Bush Theatre on 2 Nov, bringing members together for discussions on environmental policy and sustainable touring, as well as networking and updates on green initiatives from individual members. 

Catherine B's Australia Round-up by Catherine Bottrill

For the month of September I was in Australia to share with the creative industries community what we have been doing here in the UK.

Comprehensive Spending Review - At A Glance by Alison Tickell

Green renewable and technology projects survive the deepest cuts though Carbon Reduction Commitment revenues now to be kept by Treasury instead of participants but performing arts and culture are disproportionately hit

For many sectors of the economy yesterday’s CSR announcements were grim. For the arts the future looks extremely difficult, with an Arts Council cut of almost 30% - double the average 15% cut. On the other hand the ‘green’ agenda fared reasonably, with an average of 8% cuts, and maintained investment into renewable and technology projects – not as much as we would like but cause for relief in the context of this very Comprehensive Spending Review. 

Read on for Alison Tickell's full analysis of what the CSR means for the creative industries and support for the development of green infrastructure.  

Martin Harley's 'Blues Gone Green' Tour by James Harris

The front man for the blues/roots group The Martin Harley Band has recently completed a solo tour of the UK using nothing but his trusty bicycle 'Big Dummy', on a journey that took him from Newcastle to Cornwall in just under a month.

Sam Stephen’s ‘Gig It To Groats’ Bicycle Tour 2010 by Catherine Langabeer

In a previous cycle diary entry, we were thrilled to update you with Paul Heaton’s (Housemartins, Beautiful South) tour of the UK on his bicycle, a “sustainable touring” initative. Now, we are delighted to introduce another intrepid musician by the name of ‘Sat Nav’ Sam Stephens who has cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats in May/June 2010 playing acoustic gigs along the way.

Tony's speech at the music industry breakfast by Tony Wadsworth

JB was created almost three years ago by a cross section of people from across the music industry who felt strongly about the need for concerted action...

Bulbs or beans? Greener festivals in the spotlight by Catherine Langabeer

Low energy lightbulbs, reusable cups and on-site bore plumbing are amongst the initatives festivals are exploring this year to reduce their environmental impacts and discussed by the BBC's business reporter Simon Atkinson today.

10 summer festivals pledge to reduce their emissions by 10% with JB and 10:10 by Julie's Bicycle

Isle of Wight / Reading / Leeds /  Bestival / The Big Chill / Latitude / T in the Park / Lounge on the Farm / Lovebox

"Music festivals in the UK have been making huge efforts to reduce their environmental impacts and Julie's Bicycle is really pleased to provide practical support which will help them fulfil their 10% reduction ambitions. 10:10 is an ideal campaign for festival-goers to sign up to, and we hope there will be plenty more summer pledges." says Alison Tickell, JB Director.