Massive Attack have shared details of their decarbonisation measures for the the gig billed as a large-scale climate action accelerator event in Bristol this August.
Massive Attack will be joined by Killer Mike, Lankum, Sam Morton with producer Richard Russell and Wild Bunch’s DJ Milo for the all-day Act 1.5 event on 25th August 2024 outdoors at Clifton Downs.
To coincide with the news from climate scientists that temperatures 1.5C greater than their average have occurred for 12 consecutive months.
Here’s an itemised list of how they are planning to make it happen.
- 48-hour pre-sale period for Bristol region postcodes.
- 5 x show special trains operating one hour after the Network Rail schedule is closed – with routes predicated on anonymised ticket holder postcode data.
- Rail incentivisation scheme offering any ticket holder travelling outside Bristol wristband access to a VIP (VERY IMPORTANT PROCESS) bar and toilets.
- Entire festival site and all operations powered by 100% renewable energy & battery.
- Free show electric bus shuttles to and from both Bristol Temple Meads and Parkway.
- No private vehicle car parks on or adjacent to festival site.
- Meticulous spec’ing of energy and energy efficient equipment chosen to reduce overall demand.
- 100% plant-based food outlets, using localised food supply chain.
- Reusable cup system on all bars, encouraging audience to bring their own reusables containers.
- Food Waste prevention plan + Redistribution of any surplus food.
- 100% zero to landfill waste policy.
- Food waste separation to be composted – all serve ware to be 100% compostable
- Biomethane / Verified HVO (100% waste product/no virgin land use) vehicle waste removal.
- 100% compostable toilets.
- All site infrastructure shared with an existing festival on the same site – no “new build” emissions.
- Long wheelbase fully electric trucks to assist all build and battery movement.
- Lighting 100% solar and electric battery
- LED and low energy / efficient lighting prioritised for all stage production and artistic lighting.
- All feasible Massive Attack tour routes taken by rail.
- All ground transport 100% electric vehicle fleets.
- All support acts encouraged to travel by rail
- Supplier Transport 100% Electrified or 100% waste product – RFAS verified drop in HVO fuel. (the show will operate a refuelling tank on site for vehicle departures).
- Advance prioritising fewest trucks, shortest journeys and lowest mileage. Prioritising lightweight, space efficient and local equipment.
- The ACT1.5 show legacy measures include: Creation of a new, permanent climate resilient woodland of 19,150 native oak trees in James Wood, near Taunton – 44 miles from Bristol. The land comprises 85 acres of former farmland and unmanaged woodland and provides education, carbon capture, flood resilience and a rich area of biodiversity.
- Development of power substation + feeder pillars to offer all festival, event, show and film production activities on Bristol Downs (plus new vehicle charging capacity) electrification via 100% renewable energy.
More regular announcements & updates on the ACT 1.5 event IG page.
“The ACT 1.5 event in August may be the last time we play Bristol, so we’ve put a lot of attention into making sure the experience is as rich as possible. The show itself is a transgressive leap in our collaboration with Adam Curtis and United Visual Artists that we’re really excited to present.
The show production is pioneering in all aspects of decarbonisation and will create a blueprint for the way live shows can be produced. The scale of innovations and emissions reductions will speak for themselves. It’s a special moment for multiple reasons, and we cannot wait to see you all there.” ~ 3D (Robert del Naja)
“Massive Attack and Act 1.5 have built a community of organisations here – new collaborations, doing things differently, experimenting and learning across power, waste and travel. The local pre-sale, special access for those coming on public transport, extra trains after the show and free electric shuttle buses are all aimed at making the low carbon options affordable, accessible and enjoyable for the audience. It’s wonderful to be part of such a significant and innovative low carbon event. Their imagination and ambition is boundless – it’s an incredible thing to be part of.”
Professor Carly McLachlan (Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research)
“If you’re listening to the science and you’d like us all to avoid catastrophe, there’s no meaningful alternative to immediately and consistently reducing GHG emissions – from stage to field; we can all do that right now. The response from ticket holders to this experiment has already been incredible, and this August we’ll show that major live music shows can be done differently, collectively, and dynamically.” ~ Mark Donne (Lead Producer – ACT 1.5)
“It’s great to be working with Massive Attack and Act 1.5 on this very first event which aims to operate in a way that won’t add to the Climate Crisis. It’s vital that we show how the live music sector can operate this way, not just for the sake of its own footprint and future – but because we can reach music fans this way – as we have at Forest Green Rovers (with football fans) – and show them that what needs doing is possible. I love the ambition and the legacy of change that this event will create.” ~ Dale Vince OBE (Founder of Ecotricity)
“The UK festival community uses in excess of 12 million litres of diesel annually. We are excited to collaborate with Massive Attack to deliver a truly zero emission live event together. Our Second Life Batteries will provide clean power to on-site equipment. At the same time, our first life batteries will power Newport Bus’ vehicles to provide a zero-emission way to get to and from the venue, continuing a long-standing partnership we have with the operator. This live music event will set a precedent for more carbon-free shows to take place in the years ahead.”
Steven Meersman (Founding Director – ZENOBE Energy)
“This gig is seriously pulling out all the stops and has assembled excellent forward-thinking organisations and individuals to make this the lowest carbon event possible, setting a new green standard to aspire to. It’s no small undertaking, and impressive to see what can be achieved when the people in charge really mean it.”~ Claire O’Neill (CEO A Greener Future)
