Running from 1st - 4th August 2013, the Green Gathering returns to its lovely site in the landscaped grounds of Piercefield Park near Chepstow bordered by the mighty river Wye. With the imposing ruin of Piercefield House as a backdrop and stunning views of the Severn bridges and estuary, some have said it's the most beautiful festival site in the country.

The long history of the event (its roots go back to the early '80s) gives the Green Gathering a key role in networking among groups involved with sustainability. Representatives from many diverse projects come here to reconnect, exchange news and meet new people. Need some specific advice from experts? Here's where you should come! No corporate sponsorship logos obscuring the sunsets, no pressure to consume and of course, a lot of fun to be had!

As pioneers of solar powered stages, our entertainment is run entirely on renewable energy. We provide many small venues rather than loud, dominating arena stages. Ambient festival cafés host many acclaimed bands and musicians. This year we will have a visit from the pioneering virtual festival, Battfest, who will be bringing some new flavours and an online presence to the event.

At the Green Gathering, you can rediscover ancient skills in our Crafts area and explore pathways to future sustainability with Permaculture and Transition; talk with key speakers and engage in lively debate at the Green Forum venue; inform yourselves about current issues and causes with groups in the Campaigns area. The Green Gathering offers free entry to under 11's and has an excellent Kid's area and provides plenty of tranquil relaxation space as well. Visit the Healing area for a massage or for expertise in alternative therapies; discover faerie grottos, ancient wisdoms and divinations with the Earth Energies area and Avalon Rising.

www.greengathering.org.uk

Green Sauce is a creative food company run by Tim Maddams. Tim is a chef, food writer and cookery teacher living in the south west of England.

Tim's driving passion is ethically produced, sustainable, locally sourced food and this has been the inspiration and focus of his career to date. Over the last 15 years, he has worked for a variety of well-known chefs and across a wide range of culinary arenas, latterly as head chef leading the team at River Cottage on the Devon / Dorset border.

Green Sauce offers bespoke cookery teaching, event catering and business consultancy as well as myriad other food-related opportunities.

In his own words: "Food is a fascination for me; it's not just about good cookery. Great produce is hard to find and my love of foraging, fishing and shooting has provided me with some interesting and unusual views on food.

"I feel strongly about the importance of knowing where your food comes from – the ethics behind its production and knowing the sustainability of the ingredients. I believe we have a duty to understand these issues, as well as to try eat as seasonally as possible – it not only tastes better but helps support our local food producers.... and challenges us to be a bit more creative too. "

To get in touch with them email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit their website.