THE LAUNCH of the SustFest Wyre Forest 2026 took place on Wednesday evening.
The event, at Wyre Forest House in Kidderminster, saw the plans unveiled for this year’s month‑long festival celebrating community action, sustainability, and the One Planet Principles.
SustFest, which began in 2022 and is a local adaptation of the successful St Albans festival, is run by the Wyre Forest Green Alliance.
The festival encourages community groups to host their own sustainability‑themed events, rather than relying on a single central gathering.
And, what started as a two‑week programme, has now grown into a vibrant four‑week festival, reflecting the enthusiasm and increasing number of participating groups across the district.
This year SustFest runs from May 30 to June 28 with events taking place throughout the Wyre Forest district, along with special headline activities in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley.
Among them will be talks, workshops, walks, performances and more – all linked to at least one of the ten One Planet Principles. These range from zero carbon to culture and local food to health and happiness. Most events are free and open to all.
This year’s headline events include the opening of the Bewdley River Festival on June 7.
‘We Sing the River’s Voice’ will provide a truly unique and exciting experience which will start with an uplifting community workshop for young people and adults.
This will be followed by a breathtaking performance – taking inspiration from the river, easy-to-sing new sounds, words, movement and songs will be created to express the beautiful River Severn. Liz Dilnot Johnson, a composer in residence Ex Cathedra, Martin Robson from Singers4all, nature-based and vocal improvisation singer Ruana Xerri-West and performance poet Sipho Eric Ndlovu will be leading the venture.
People are invited to take part in the workshop or join the event afterwards to watch the performance next to the river.
Then on June 20 there will be Greenshoots Kidderminster. The family friendly day at The Weaving Sheds will feature live music from young musicians, art workshops, food, drink and local traders and promises to be a great day out.
And on June 28 there will be the Stourport Eco Family Fun Day. This lively, family-friendly celebration of sustainable living in Stourport will feature hands-on activities, games, eco-stalls, and entertainment for all ages. The event is designed to inspire younger generations and provide practical ideas for greener lifestyles in a fun and engaging way.
John Rhymer, coordinator of festival organisers Wyre Forest Green Alliance, said: “SustFest Wyre Forest is a dynamic, month-long celebration of local sustainability, bringing communities together from May 30 to June 28.
“Through a vibrant and diverse programme of events, the festival aims to inspire, connect, and energise the community to take meaningful action and be part of a greener, more resilient future by championing practical solutions and real change.
“With events planned across multiple venues, SustFest Wyre Forest 2026 offers something for everyone, whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or already deeply engaged.”
Visit: sustfestwyreforest.org for more on SustFest Wyre Forest, the events and to see a full programme.
Click here to follow SustFest on Facebook.
