ORGANISERS of Henley Festival say they will “keep moving in the right direction” after outlining a range of measures aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
They said they will place a strong focus on cutting waste, reusing materials and making more sustainable choices across the site.
Chief executive Jo Bausor said the appointment of Marija Rompani as a trustee with sustainability expertise means they have been looking at making “meaningful changes”.
She told the Henley Standard: “We know that events like Henley Festival have an impact on the environment and it’s something we’re taking seriously.
“We aim to keep moving in the right direction and make sure Henley Festival can be enjoyed, not just now, but for many years to come, with as little impact on the environment as possible.
“Over the past year, we’ve been looking closely at how we operate and where we can make meaningful changes.”
One of the most “visible” steps includes reducing the use of single-use cups, plates and cutlery throughout the, with reusable tableware being introduced wherever possible. Backstage, catering for crew members will be served using real crockery and metal cutlery.
In bar areas, durable polycarbonate glassware will be used to minimise breakages and waste, while any unavoidable single-use items will be made from recyclable materials.
Visitors can also expect improved recycling facilities, with clearer bin signage and more “well-placed” collection points across the festival site.
Mrs Bausor said: “It’s a simple change but it makes a real difference in cutting down single-use plastic and the amount of waste we produce.”
She said the aim is to improve recycling rates and reduce contamination through back-of-house sorting processes for suppliers and bars, ensuring more is diverted from general rubbish and recycled.
Suppliers are also being encouraged to standardise packaging to make recycling easier and introduce waste food separation so that unavoidable food waste is collected separately.
Sustainability is also playing an increasing role in how partners are selected and how the event is delivered, with organisers tracking waste outcomes each year and setting targets for improvement on recycling volumes, general waste and food waste.
Mrs Bausor said the aim is to make steady, long-term progress towards a more environmentally-friendly festival, rather than relying on short-term changes.
She said: “We’re working with our suppliers and partners to find better ways of doing things — whether that’s reducing waste, improving recycling, or being more thoughtful about the materials and resources we use.
“Looking forward, we will embed sustainability into procurement decisions by favouring suppliers who can demonstrate lower-waste operations and responsible sourcing. It’s an ongoing process, and we know there’s more to do.”
The announcement comes as Greener Henley continues to promote its “Pledge for the Planet” campaign, encouraging residents, schools and businesses to take steps to support the environment.
The campaign aims to engage around 5,000 people across Henley and surrounding villages over the next three years — a level organisers say could create lasting change.
Residents are being encouraged to make small, practical pledges, such as walking or cycling short journeys, eating more plant-based meals, improving energy efficiency at home or making gardens more wildlife-friendly.
Greener Henley says collective action at a local level can have a meaningful impact, and that many local organisations are ‘stepping up’ to improve sustainability.
Executive director Kate Oldridge said: “We welcome the Henley Festival, taking these practical steps towards delivering a more sustainable festival by cutting waste, reusing more and making better choices.
“Henley draws huge numbers of visitors from across the country over the summer months, and this announcement by the Henley Festival shows that enjoyment and caring for the natural world can go hand in hand.
“It’s part of a growing momentum across the town, with many organisations now stepping up through our Pledge for the Planet platform. Every step counts.”
Henley Festival, a celebration of music and the arts, will return from July 8 to 12.
