AGreenerfestival announce new sponsorship deal

Environmental campaign group A Greener Festival and insurance brokers Robertson Taylor have announced that for the second year running, Robertson Taylor will sponsor the Greener Festival Awards.Launched in 2007, the Awards have become the live music industry’s leading benchmark for sound environmental practice at festivals.In 2008, twenty four UK, two US, two European and four Australian festivals picked up an award. The overall winner, the UK’s Waveform, picked up their trophy at the UK Festival Awards at the 02 in London on October 30th. As part of the deal, Robertson Taylor will continue to offer discounts on certain insurance products for festivals who sign up to a number of sustainability indicators endorsed by A Greener Festival. In addition, the sponsorship will assist in funding a research student from Buckinghamshire New University to continue research into consumer and organisers attitudes to environmental issues. Ben Challis, co-founder of A Greener Festival said, “As a not for profit organisation, and with no government funding, Robertson Taylor’s sponsorship is vital to our Awards scheme and on-going campaign. The funding for a research student from BNU is just icing on the cake”. John Silcock, managing director Robertson Taylor, added, “The environment is and will always be an important issue. As part of our community programme, we are delighted to support A Greener Festival’s work and to support festivals that are reducing their environmental impact.” In 2008, the following festivals picked up the ‘Outstanding’ Award from A Greener Festival : Waveform (UK), Shambala (UK), Camden Green Fair (UK), Boom (Portugal) , Bonnaroo (US) and Rothbury (US), whilst Bluesfest in Australia picked up a ‘highly commended’ badge.