Through a diverse programme of events, films, and talks, visitors can embark upon an exploration of our impact on the Earth, with a focus on our carbon footprint, tourism, and transport. Consider the steps we can take to rebalance the needs of humans with those of the natural world, as we orientate ourselves towards a more sustainable future.

Festival screenings include: Koyaanisqatsi, a visual epic depicting humans and nature out of balance through pioneering time lapse sequences, introduced by festival lead Natasha Padbury and Depot Senior Technician Tom Oliver; A Crack in the Mountain, exploring the impact of tourism on the largest cave in the world, Hang So'n Đoòng, newly discovered in Vietnam; and Once You Know, a contemplative look at the psychological journey the climate crisis provokes and how community resilience may be the key to facing future challenges. This event includes a panel discussion with Peter Owen-Jones, Lewes Climate Hub Director Dinah Morgan; and Stephanie Mills, South Downs National Park Project Manager for the Ouse Valley Climate Action Project.

On Sunday 25 June there will be a rolling programme of free events: StoryFutures: an intimate VR experience allowing you to step forward in time to see how humans and technology might live in balance with nature and explore the ocean from the perspective of a plankton. Bee Lines: Depot Wildflower Tour gives you exclusive access to our rooftop garden; Electric cars: highway to heaven or dead end? considers the pros and cons of electric vehicles, hosted by sustainability expert Mayor Matthew Bird; and Lineside Stories: Exploring life by the railway lines delves into the hidden ecosystems between our railway lands, led by Sara Grisewood, Community Line Officer for Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and Fine Art PhD researcher.

Satellite events in collaboration with Lewes Climate Hub will also be hosted, in a
programme called Are we there yet? Imagining travel in Lewes 2030. Session topics
include: What would get you out of your car?; Is there too much traffic in Lewes?; and What should travel look like in our town?

The programme for this year’s festival has been curated by Depot’s Sustainability Manager Natasha Padbury, along with Depot team members Mirabelle Seymour, Nikita Krivchikov, Ella Hunter, Rory Bines-Morris and Millie Swallow. Natasha had this to say about the upcoming events: ‘We’ve really enjoyed putting together this year’s eclectic programme showcasing the best in environmental films. As ever, we are collaborating with expert speakers and our wonderful local networks. We hope this year’s festival will spark exciting debates and inspire practical steps we can all take on our collective journey to a more sustainable future.’ Explore the full programme of events at lewesdepot.org/climateactionfestival, and find out more about Depot’s dedication to sustainability here.