Bristol festival to run entirely on hydrogen and battery power in global first
The Forwards festival on Clifton Down will use a zero-emission hydrogen power plant and mobile batteries charged with sustainable energy to run its two main stages. The project, backed by regional public funds, has already powered about a dozen events in Bristol, including a balloon fiesta and TV productions. Organisers say the site's geography prevents grid access, making this clean-power pilot essential.
The Forwards festival’s clean-power setup relies on a compact hydrogen plant from GeoPura, supplemented by batteries charged with sustainable energy. This pilot, backed by the West of England mayoral authority and Bristol city council, has already supported roughly a dozen local events, including the Bristol Balloon Fiesta and TV productions like the drama *Mavis Eccleston*. Organisers note the site’s terrain prevents grid hookups, making the mobile green system a practical necessity rather than a luxury.
The project emerged from Massive Attack’s 2024 Act 1.5 concert on the same site, which claimed record-low emissions for a major show. That creative-industry collaboration, involving artists, technicians, and scientists, then scaled the approach with public funding. Beyond Bristol, Act 1.5 says it is in talks with other English mayoral authorities and has drawn international interest, suggesting the model could spread.
This pilot could reshape how large outdoor events source power, offering a template for festivals and productions in grid-limited locations. If successful, it may pressure other organisers to adopt similar zero-emission systems, reducing diesel generator noise and pollution for nearby communities. Public funding involvement could also demonstrate that government support can de-risk green innovation, potentially influencing policy for event licensing and clean-energy investment. However, its impact depends on cost, scalability, and whether other regions replicate the model.