Growing Up Green Festival returns to Dudley borough for 2023

People in Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Halesowen can enjoy a range of activities for children, families and adults later this month. From eco arts and crafts to sustainable fashion shows, outdoor learning to creative writing, there’s lots on offer between 10^th and 18^th June.

Local community groups and residents have come together under the banner of ‘Growing Up Green’ to host a range of activities that have an environmental focus. Organisations hosting events include Wild About Stourbridge, Wild Earth Movement, Fruits of the Forest, EcoManiax, Moms Mindful Hub, Ekho Collective, Camphill Village Trust – Stourbridge Community and Parents For Future UK. They have been brought together by Hayley Guest, a community artist based in Stourbridge, and Dudley CVS.

Caz, Deb and Ruth who will be hosting a range of activities during the Growing Up Green Festival

Hayley wanted to bring the festival to her local area after seeing it happen in Birmingham and other parts of the Black Country. Hayley said, “Last year we brought the first Growing Up Green festival to Stourbridge, where we reached more than 400 local people at 20 events throughout the week. This year we have at least 30 fun and free activities in more locations, including a big launch event on Mary Stevens Park on Saturday 10^th June (11am-2pm), where families can take part in activities like seed sowing, mud kitchen play and scavenger hunts.”

Ekho Collective CIC is also hosting a launch event in Brierley Hill on Saturday 10^th June, with activities such as herb planting, sustainable fashion show and family eco crafts taking place in and around Brierley Hill Market Hall, the High Street and the temporary library at St Micheal’s Church.

The events and activities are all free of charge and made possible by generous donations and grants from Camphill Village Trust – Stourbridge Community, The John Porter Community Fund, Dudley CVS HAF programme, Parents For Future, Historic England and Brierley Hill Cultural Consortium.

Growing Up Green is an annual children and family arts festival that began in Birmingham and parts of Sandwell in 2021, led by Smethwick-based organisation The Parakeet Studio. The festival coincides with the national Great Big Green Week, led by The Climate Coalition.

For the full calendar of events happening locally from 10^th-18^th June, visit www.growingup.green/db or join the Facebook group.