Planet Festival, Huddersfield
Hundreds joined the Planet Festival at Greenhead Park in Huddersfield on Saturday 5th September, bringing together local environmental campaigners, community and faith groups calling for urgent climate action ahead of the UN talks in Paris this December.
Kiran Bali, global Hindu Interfaith leader spoke at the opening of the Festival: “We’re facing the biggest environmental challenge our generation has ever seen. Doing nothing is not an option. If we want to secure a bright and sustainable future for our children then we must unite for climate action. Regardless of our colour, caste or creed, we must join hands to make a practical difference. One family, one planet.”
Fatihul Haq, president of the Huddersfield Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, spoke alongside Kiran: 
“Responsible use of the environment is not only of great importance to us today but for our future generations as well. Being a Muslim I am continually reminded by my scripture that as a human being I am never the owner of what I survey – only its custodian and a temporary one at that. Let’s hope that with the impending UN conference in Paris later this year we will be able to take strong measures to ensure that selflessness prevails and the treasure we have today is preserved for our future generations to enjoy”.
The event, organised by Huddersfield Friends of the Earth, aimed to mobilise local calls for climate action and to collect petition signatures which they will be taking in person from Kirklees to the UN climate talks in Paris, as well as highlighting a range of local climate and eco campaigns including Anti-Fracking, Fossil Free Divestment, Run on Sun, No TTIP, the Bee Cause and much more.
The Festival also included a wide range of kids’ activities including a ‘funky junk’ sculpture, scraptastic junk modelling, bubble making and face-painting . There was also live music, belly-dancing, performances by Threadbear Theatre, a Speakers’ Corner, film screenings and campaign stalls, including a chance to sample vegan food. A giant bee and sun were also seen roaming the Park and joined in the Park Run earlier in the day!
Michelle Atkinson from Huddersfield Friends of the Earth, who organised the event, added: “The Planet Festival aimed to be a fun and family-friendly afternoon, but with a serious message. Unless we listen to what scientists are telling us and take radical action, we are facing catastrophic temperature rises and a climate beyond our control. We all need to speak up for the climate – please join us!”
More information: huddersfieldfoe.wordpress.com
More photos from the day on our Facebook page
Huddersfield Friends of the Earth 