A new poll shows that veganism has become more popular than ever, with 7% of the UK population being vegan – which translates as 3.5 million people. So there's no better time to find out more about this lifestyle of choice of celebrities, sports stars and people looking for a healthier, more compassionate and more environmentally-friendly way of life. And there's no better place than at Vegan Festivals around the UK this spring and summer.
A poll by comparethemarket.com, in partnership with Professor Carolyn Roberts, the first Frank Jackson Professor of the Environment at Gresham College, shows that 7% of the population are vegan. And a study published in Climatic Change, which sought to estimate the difference in dietary GHG emissions between self-selected meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans in the UK, concluded that dietary GHG emissions in self-selected meat-eaters are more than twice as high as those in vegans and that it's likely that reductions in meat consumption would lead to reductions in dietary GHG emissions.
Vegan Festival Organiser Victoria Bryceson says, “With the number of people in the UK describing themselves as vegan at an all-time high, there's a massive demand around the country for vegan-friendly events. Our festivals are set to be a fantastic day out whether you're vegetarian, vegan or simply vegan-curious. The idea behind the festivals is to educate and inform everyone about the vegan lifestyle and offer support to anybody who would like to try it.”
Food on offer includes a varied and exciting array of plant-based hot and cold dishes, including Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, Greek, Hotdogs, Burgers, Street Food, Raw Food and Gourmet Food! There will also be a huge range of pies, cakes, chocolates, cookies, doughnuts, sandwiches and salads to take away as well as alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, juices, smoothies, tea and coffee.
There will be a great selection of non food stalls at the event selling a wide variety of items including fashion, footwear, jewellery, beauty and skincare products, candles, crafts, clothing, footwear, homeware, gifts and charity merchandise.
As well as stalls to look round, there will also be a wide range of free food samples to try, live music, inspirational talks, live cookery demonstrations, workshops and children's activities.
Vegan Events UK organises over 20 of the largest vegan festivals and events across the UK. Events this spring and summer are being held in Dorset, Brighton, Leeds, Glasgow, Plymouth and Bath.
Going vegan has transformed Victoria's life; “I've never felt happier and healthier,” she says. She started organising festivals with the aim of promoting animal welfare and how to live a more ethical and healthy lifestyle. “There will be several animal welfare charity stalls raising awareness of their causes. For anybody who would like to get involved with volunteering this is an ideal place to talk to lots of different charities and gather information, and all the stall holders are happy to talk to people and answer any questions.”
The festivals are run in partnership with animal welfare charities including Miracle's Mission. “It's all about trying new things and opening people's eyes to new possibilities,” continues Victoria. “Cutting out meat and dairy from your diet is easier than you might think and many people are increasingly looking for alternatives in order to live more healthily and ethically. They want to find out more about the new innovative foods and recipes now available and want to do it affordably. Our festivals will educate people on how to do all of this.”
