Evesham will be hosting its own version of COP26 as the UN Climate Change conference approaches.

The town council are working with Transition Evesham Vale to host their own environmental festival which begins this Saturday, October 23.

The week-long event will feature many talks and activities and draws to a close on Saturday, October 30.

Councillor and organiser, Julie Tucker, said: “The world needs 'urgent climate action' to limit carbon emissions and keep the increase in temperature to below 1.5⁰C, as agreed under the Paris Agreement.

“The COP26 event is a global United Nations summit about climate change and how countries are planning to tackle it.”

Robin Walker is the coordinator of Greening Evesham, the umbrella term for Evesham Town Council and Transition Evesham Vale.

He said: “While there is much for governments nationally and locally to do, all of us can help to tackle climate change—as individuals the choices that we make can make a big difference.

“Greening Evesham have put together a programme of activities to inspire and encourage action locally.”

The festival kicks off at 10am on Saturday with ‘What a Waste!’ at Hampton Ferry which involves a litter pick, led by Phoenix Dragon Boat Club, and a variety of talks.

The event will also have a big focus on encouraging people to make the shift from cars to walking or cycling.

As such, Cycle Evesham Vale will be leading six leisure rides, showcasing the most beautiful lanes and villages in the area, while Evesham Rambling Club will host six countryside walks.

The themes of talks taking place throughout the week include gardening, food, bats, travel and heating.

The grand finale of COP26 Evesham is the Festival Fayre in Evesham Market Place on Saturday, October 30, the day before the real COP26 begins in Glasgow.

Many local organisations will be in attendance to highlight their work while councillor Sue Amor, Mayor of Evesham, will officially open the day at 10:45am.

Full details are available on facebook.com/GreeningEvesham or booklets containing the full programme of events can be obtained from the Almonry or downloaded at https://bit.ly/3jd5dUu.