As global climate change conference COP26 comes to an end this week, Congleton Nub News thought we would take a look back at our town's environmental event.

The Congleton Climate Festival and Green Fayre held in October has been hailed a success by its organisers.

The festivities were organised by Congleton Partnership's Sustainability Group and Congleton Town Council and featured over 20 'green' activities.

These spanned from walks, talks, swaps, site visits, films and practical demonstrations such as tree planting and eco-tours.

Events held throughout the week were well attended, including by many who travelled from outside of Congleton – including some from Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent.

Festival organiser and climate activist Dr Barry Speed said: "It went well, considering we had such a late start to the organisation and no real budget."

Reports from the hosts stated that an overwhelming majority of people who attended the festival were on board for a drastic change of lifestyle and wanted to be educated in biodiversity.

Stallholders from the Green Fayre held on Congleton High Street on 30 October praised it as massively positive.

They were pleased with its fantastic organisation and highlighted their anticipation for next year's event.

Those working on the stalls reported large numbers of footfall and had people coming from Leek and Macclesfield to help out.

Stallholders said those who attended were genuinely interested in listening to them and thinking how to better look after themselves and the environment.

Congleton Town Council also commended the event and thanked both hosts and visitors for their efforts.

They said: "The Climate Festival was a huge success.

"The popular walks, talks and workshops were well attended and provided lots of practical advice for residents looking to make a change.

"It was fantastic to see the High Street buzzing with a large number of people and local companies showcasing how we can make steps towards a more 'green' way of living.

"Thank you to the event hosts for delivering such informative and engaging sessions."

The Climate festival came to a close on 29 October with a talk and Q&A session hosted by teenage climate activist Esther Bird (15).

The eco-youth and school-strike climate campaigner hosted an engaging presentation at Congleton Town Hall on High Street.

The Year 11 discussed how we can use our ever-growing climate anxiety as fuel to create change.

The evening explored how young people can make meaningful change when it often feels like we have no agency.

A new global survey suggests 60% of 16-25 year olds are very worried or anxious about climate change.

The teenager attends Macclesfield's Tytherington High School on Manchester Road.

Congleton Nub News spoke to Esther's Headteacher Mr Emmanuel Botwe (40).

"We're really proud to have her as a student at the school," he said.

"She is a very, very able public speaker and has helped staff and students from other local schools as well to get involved.

"Esther also takes part in the Tythy goes green group, she's also regularly given assemblies to her peers about things they can do practically to try to help the planet [in a similar vein to her talk in Congleton].

"At whatever age to speak like she does is amazing, but to it at that age is particularly impressive.

"She is inspiring younger students and her peers to find their voice."

Esther will now sit her GCSEs, but was well-received by the Congleton crowd and hopes to return to our town soon.

The week of Congleton climate activates was scheduled to coincide with the annual UN climate change conference, the COP26, held in Glasgow.

Many experts believe we are at a tipping point and action must be taken immediately to reduce our carbon footprint and prevent global disaster.

Congleton Town Council declared a climate change emergency in 2019 and made an ambitious pledge to make Congleton carbon neutral by 2025.

Our town's borough council - Cheshire East - have also made this promise.

The council are hoping to make the Climate Festival an annual event and would love to hear your suggestions for what you would like to see next year.

If you have some great ideas for things they could include please contact