Ashington Town Council is proud to announce the launch of the town’s first-ever ECO Fair, an event designed to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable solutions within the local community. The fair will take place on Friday 25th April from 10am to 3pm at the Ashington Hirst Welfare Centre.
The ECO Fair aims to inspire and empower individuals and organisations to take meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact. The event will provide a platform for local schools and community groups to showcase their environmental initiatives and connect residents with practical ways to embrace more sustainable lifestyles.
Visitors to the ECO Fair can look forward to an exciting lineup of exhibits and activities, including:
Ashington Town Council’s FREE RAFFLE
Take your pick in our fantastic free raffle, on offer we have 2 Ninja Air Fryers, 4 Russel Hobbs Slow Cookers and 4 Water Butts.
Ashington WI
The ladies from Ashington WI will be offering small clothing alterations and repairs—bring your trousers if they need hemming! They’ll also be crafting bags from recycled jeans.
AkzoNobel Ashington
AkzoNobel Ashington will be sharing how they are working towards addressing climate change, their advancement in how paints can make a difference around the world, and what we can do in our local community.
Bedlington and District Red Squirrel Group
Bedlington and District Red Squirrel Group will be coming along to explain the importance of red squirrel conservation and how they go about it. They will help you to understand the role that everyone can play in helping to preserve this iconic native mammal. There will be an opportunity to win a cuddly toy and also to meet the largest red squirrel in Northumberland!
Central Northumberland Family Hubs
Visit the Family Hub staff for some fun eco freindly children’s crafts.
Citizens Advice Energy Team
Speak to the Citizens Advice Energy Team and find out how save money on your energy bills.
Cycle4everyone
Join us for a free Dr Bike, with Cycle4Everyone! Get your bicycle repaired by a professional mechanic and learn essential skills like changing a tyre. Basic safety checks are provided at no cost, larger jobs may incur charges. Take advantage of this opportunity to keep your bike in top condition while gaining valuable maintenance knowledge.
Friends of Ashington Community Woods
See what the Friends of Ashington Community Woods have been up to over the past year, showcasing tree planting projects and much more. Have a go at making your own bird house! and try your luck at their free raffle, with a top prize of a Hedgehog House for your garden.
Full Circle Food Project
Get some useful information on air fryer cooking with tasters and recipes of healthy snacks you can make at home. We’ll also have dried herbs for sale, ‘how to grow’ guides for budding gardeners and our new Spin the Wheel game to win prizes!
Hirst Communities and Housing
The Hirst Masterplan aims to build on the strengths of the area and make it a better place to live. Views of residents and stakeholders are crucial to further shape the plan and the Hirst Programme Team are available to discuss the plan and listen to your views.
Mortal Fools
We will be running a community collage activity exploring the themes of sustainability and the environment and creating paper flower wreaths. And we will also be running a puppet making workshop using cardboard tubes from loo rolls and kitchen rolls to create fun characters.
NCC community retrofit advisors
community retrofit advisors from the warmer Homes team will be offering advice on how to make homes more energy efficient, including what free grants are currently available for residents to apply for. (link to NCC Warmer Homes info online) - Northumberland County Council - Renewable Energy and Heat
NCC Public Transport Team
The climate change team will be there to talk about the work Northumberland county council is doing to reach net zero and look after Northumberland’s environment (website link - (Home | Northumberland Net Zero | Climate Action)
Northumberland Community & Voluntary Action (NCVA)
Lots of interactive activities and information guides on policies and best practice for groups.
Northumberland Line
“Leaving the car at home is a great way to do your bit for the environment and Northumberland has some excellent options from walking, cycling, buses and the brand new Northumberland Line to make your journey easy. Come and chat with members of the team for more information.”
Northumbrian Water
Visit the Flo Vehicle from Northumbrian Water and get information on all the campaigns they are involved in to help tackle climate change and the support the environment. Have a query about your water supply? they will also be able to answer any customer queries.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Come along to Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s stall, get hands-on making wildflower seed bombs to take home and help nature flourish. We’ll also be upcycling milk cartons into cute fox and Easter bunny hanging planters—perfect for growing salad leaves, flowers or houseplants. We’ll also have lots of nature and wildlife activity ideas, information about the work we do at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, our reserves and how to become a member.
Repurposful CIC
Repurposeful CIC will be sharing reuse ideas, showing how families can have fun whilst reducing their waste. They’ll be showcasing ‘junk modelling’, including models and games (Anyone remember making Thunderbirds Tracy Island from Blue Peter?). There will be a chance to pledge to ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ more and to take away a goodie bag to help families enjoy junk modelling at home!
Talking Marras
Take a tour around Talking Marras garden at the Hirst Welfare.
Thriving Together Community Connector
Have a chat with Maria who can signpost you to local services.
VONNE
VONNE is launching their Going Green Together Project this spring. We will be at the Ashington Eco Fair to share this opportunity for local charities and voluntary groups to be part of our project, supporting them to become environmentally sustainable and take action on the climate emergency. This is done by providing tools, resources, events and training to build knowledge and confidence around climate and the environment, and the ways organisations can make an impact..
Wansbeck Climate Action
Climate Action Wansbeck will be talking about food waste and how it impacts on living costs and affects the environment. We will be sharing food made in an air fryer using basic ingredients, demonstrating making soups and smoothies using leftovers from the fridge and sharing jam and scones made with foraged ingredients”.
Wansbeck Community Links
Visitors to the Eco Fair will have the opportunity to join Wansbeck Community Links social prescribing team to learn more about their eco-friendly healthy walks programme. These guided walks combine physical activity with environmental education, taking participants through local green spaces while highlighting sustainable practices and native wildlife. The walks are designed to improve both physical and mental wellbeing while fostering a deeper connection with nature and the local environment. Residents of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to participate, with different routes available to accommodate various abilities.
Eco Friendly Talks
10:30am join Doug Mitchley from Friends of Ashington Community Woods for some hints and tips on conserving energy and saving resources.
1:15pm join Dr Wendy Fail who will be delivering a presentation about how we manage waste across the North East, why councils collect different things, what we can/ cannot collect and new legislation coming in to force from next year.
MUSIC LINEUP: ECO FAIR 2025
We’re excited to announce the amazing musical talent that will be performing at this year’s Eco Fair on Friday, 25th April!
Thanks to Guerilla PA and Event Hire for providing the stage and booking these fantastic artists:
LINE UP FOR THE DAY:
Come enjoy some incredible live music while celebrating sustainability at the Eco Fair! Each performance is unique and not to be missed.
