Community Festival 2021
The Live Smart Community Festival ran a series of seven live events over early May Bank Holiday weekend aiming to help people explore, learn and collaborate for a more equal, prosperous and environmentally-friendly future for everyone.
The Community Festival builds on a long-standing partnership with Gloucester Cathedral who share the University’s interest in taking action for the UN Global Goals.
This year’s activities were developed and co-ordinated by University of Gloucestershire second year Events Management students.
Festival on demand

Have you ever attended a protest, but wondered if anything was ever going to really change?
Be inspired by our panel of local change makers. Explore the power of influence by unpicking how systems really work and how we can move beyond a protest culture to realising actual global change.
Panellists include Baroness Rennie Fritchie, Rev Andrew Braddock (Gloucester Diocese), Yolande Booyse (Masters student at RAU and former Green Team President at UoG) and Dr Alex Ryan (Director of Sustainability, UoG)

Join our interactive panel exploring the relationship between diversity and sustainability in modern society. Hear personal stories and expert insights, and build your confidence in allyship of all forms.
Panellists include Rachael Bullingham (Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise), Fraser Bryan (Co-chair University of Gloucestershire LGBT+ society) and Subbu Peteti (International Experience Officer).

Is the City of Gloucester more sustainable than you might think?
Get active on this unique tour of the city highlighting its sustainability achievements, tucked away sights, and heritage. Take the trail at your own pace using our audio or written guides.

Are you a fan of a takeaway but conscious of the cost to your pocket, your health and the planet?
Take part in our live cookalong with handy tips and facts to help you make simple sustainable swaps to your everyday dishes.

Did you know nature is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and boost wellbeing?
This event had 2 parts:
- #LeaveAHeartLeaveYourMark – encouraging people to get outside and get creative by making a heart out of natural materials to symbolise love for themselves, for others and for the planet.
- Nature and wellbeing – a live discussion with guest speaker from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust exploring the benefits of nature to health and wellbeing

Be inspired by Forest Green Rovers, dubbed ‘the most sustainable football club in the world’, and get practical, cost-effective tips to help your club become more sustainable.
With the impacts of global unsustainability felt even more starkly at grassroots level, this practical and interactive session will help you future-proof your team – for people, profit, and planet.

Celebrate student-community collaboration for sustainability and find out the winners of this year’s community challenge!