Caroline Lucas addressed an innovative Green festival in Preston Park, Brighton, on Saturday 5 July.

The 'Green Wave' festival featured bands, local 'green' businesses, family entertainment and ideas for closing the gap between Brighton and Hove residents' optimistic environmental aspirations and their relatively high ecological 'footprint'.

Dr Lucas talked about her work for Brighton as a Euro-MP and what a difference electing the country's first Green MP could make, as well as answering questions from the audience.

She said: "The Green Wave festival really sums up the kind of event families in Brighton enjoy most - a bit like the popular BBC Springwatch events in Stanmer Park, which have been packed with fun, entertainment - and local produce, with a green twist.

"For me it encapsulates one of the most important environmental messages: that there are 'win wins' out there,

Making the best environmental choices needn't mean making any sacrifices at all - just enjoying the best 21st Century Brighton has to offer.
"And I really enjoyed the music too!"

Though an emphasis on enhancing biodiversity and promoting both Fairtrade and locally-produced goods and services (including the music!) will run throughout the festival, events will take place in eight themed zones.

For example, the earth zone will display wormeries, composting ideas and house a mini eco-farm, while the energy zone will demonstrate products using sustainable energy, ranging from mobile phones to solar-powered cars.

The festival was organised by the Business Forum and New Era Associates, the firm behind the Brighton and Hove Farmers' Market and the Sussex Food and Drink Awards.