21st - 24th July 2022
Bluedot festival took place at Jodrell Bank Observatory, near Manchester, from 21-24 July. The festival’s eclectic line-up included well-known headline acts, late-night electronica, science talks, award-winning comedy and fun family activities. We were there to demonstrate ingenious solutions from around the world that communities are using to improve their lives.
Thank you to those of you who visited our stand for an insight into our work – It was such a pleasure to chat with you about Practical Action’s work with communities around the world. We learned a lot over the course of the weekend from talking with you and other festival goers, and we enjoyed sharing our stories and knowledge with you too. It’s wonderful to meet others who share our vision of a world that works better for everyone!
Immersive Experiences
Did you watch our virtual reality video? If so, you’ll know how a combination of solar-powered water pumps, water management and training in health and hygiene is transforming lives in Turkana, Kenya.
You saw for yourself how a mix of solutions brings drinking water from deep underground to the surface and keeps the equipment functioning so communities on the front line of climate change can thrive, despite longer and more persistent droughts. If you didn’t catch the video, check it out now.
You can move around inside the video using your mouse.
** Info: This video may appear slightly blurry, as it is designed for VR Goggles **
Expert Panels
Growing food without damaging the planet – Sustainable Farming Techniques
On the Power Plant Stage, we teamed up with Practical Action supporter and journalist Leyla Kazim for a panel discussion about the realities of farming and the role of sustainable techniques in building a planet-friendly future.
Leyla was joined by Practical Action’s project staff who have experienced first-hand the challenges faced by smallholder farmers around the world.
Family Friendly Workshops
We hosted two interactive, family friendly workshops at Bluedot based on our range of free STEM, science, design and technology resources. These resources fit the UK curriculum and engage children in real world issues including climate change, renewable energy, food security and disaster preparedness. You can download these resources free to continue the festival fun at home with your own family.
Education Workshops
Keyhole Gardens
Keyhole gardens, which are popular with smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, are a sustainable way to grow vegetables. They can improve soil conditions and are ideal for regions with unpredictable weather patterns (like here in the UK!)
Keyhole gardens retain moisture and supply nutrients to surrounding plants in just a six-foot round plot. If you have space in your garden, why not build your own? Download our factsheet for information about how to build a keyhole garden. The diagram doubles-up as a colouring sheet for a younger family member. It might even encourage them to eat their greens!
