Creative Earth Eco Fest: Making Change Through Photography And Art

Photo Hub North and Impressions Gallery present the second edition of Creative Earth Eco Fest, returning to the beautiful grounds of Cliffe Castle, Keighley.

An eco darkroom in a caravan, a sustainable fashion show, and the chance to make photo artworks using spices are just some of the activities on offer at the popular free festival, with food and entertainment for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.

Creative Earth Eco Fest is produced by Photo Hub North and Impressions Gallery, both passionate about helping people respond to the current environmental emergency in a positive and creative way. Sometimes it can be difficult to know what each of us can individually do to help the planet, and the scale of the climate crisis can often be overwhelming.

Creative Earth Eco Fest, which first ran in 2024, is based on the belief that photography and art can play a big part in inspiring people to be more eco-friendly. Over 700 visitors enjoyed the last festival, and even more are expected this year, with new attractions including a fashion parade, a wishing tree, community zone, yarn-bombing photo trail, and much more.

The festival is running as part of Summer of Sustainability, a season of
environmentally-conscious photography events programmed by Impressions Gallery.

Lisa Holmes, Director, Photo Hub North, says “Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and Keighley Town Council, Eco Fest is back, and it’s bigger and better. It’s also free, meaning anyone from the local area and beyond will be able to attend. With continued support from Bradford Council, we are especially pleased to be returning to the beautiful grounds of Cliffe Castle, meaning we can welcome as many visitors as possible.

Anne McNeill, Creative Earth’s Co-Director, says “In a town where the climate emergency can feel overshadowed by economic challenges, we want to bring energy and optimism to the conversation with an inspiring celebration of creativity and sustainability. Our hope is that Eco Fest will use the power of photography and art to help people feel confident making small sustainable changes, while having a whole lot of fun and enjoying a great day out.”

Jane Hiley, Senior Creative Producer, Impressions Gallery, says ”As a charity, we are committed to presenting and making photography that is more sustainable and better for the environment. We are thrilled that Impressions has again partnered with Photo Hub North to produce Creative Earth Eco Fest, part of our Summer of Sustainability programme. We are delighted that Arts Council funding will remove costs to attend for those who may not usually access the art or cultural events, and support artists who are working in sustainable ways.”

Creative Earth Eco Fest’s programme has been informed by conversations with local people of all ages, including those who attend Keighley Healthy Living creative art classes, South Asian community groups at Highfield Community Association, and engagement with Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School and Beechcliffe SEN School.

Creative activities and artistic workshops to experience on the day include:
•The ever popular Nellie, a caravan repurposed to create a giant camera and eco darkroom on wheels.
•Pop up eco-darkrooms, where people can their own photograms using beer based developer.
•Cyanotype badges with plants foraged from the grounds of Cliffe Castle.
•Creating unique artwork, combining photographic processes with painting-like techniques, using everyday household substances, such as spices, food ingredients, and even toothpaste on photographic paper.
•Making artwork from natural found objects.
•Re-loving your old photographs by learning how to add embroidery stiches to tell your story.
•Hand decorating with eco-friendly henna.
•Create bespoke paper flower arrangements using traditional South Asian craft techniques.

Other highlights include a pop-up outdoor gallery showcasing the work of local and national photographers who are rethinking their artistic processes and making work in more sustainable ways.

 
The Wellbeing Zone will offer experiences that encourage health and happiness, with Tai Chi for all abilities, stimulating outdoor play for families led by Keighley’s own Get Out More CIC, and back by popular demand forest bathing for adults to connect with nature.

There will be a wishing tree where festival goers can share their ideas and eco-friendly hacks, a Community Zone, with local groups showcasing their work helping the environment, and an Independent Makers Market selling environmentally conscious goods.

Live music, which will take place throughout the day from multi-cultural DJ sets by the legendary No Hands, as well as Punjabi folk, community choirs and a traditional brass band.

The day will end with an inspiring fashion show with a difference run by the Yorkshire Women’s Forum (Threads Together) spotlighting sustainable fashion, showcasing upcycled, repurposed and ethically inspired designs, while raising awareness of fast fashion’s impact on the environment and our communities.

To find out more, please visit www.impressions-gallery.com or www.photohubnorth.com
Creative Earth Eco Fest is made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, Keighley Town Council and support from Bradford Council.