Bristol's 'Massive Attack' announce new climate friendly show at The Downs

Tickets are being offered to locals first, in order to reduce travel emissions

Robert Del Naja (3D) from Massive Attack
Published 5th Dec 2023
Last updated 5th Dec 2023

The band, Massive Attack has announced 'Act 1.5,' a large-scale climate action accelerator event that sees Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall play what will be their first show on UK soil in 5 years.

Taking place on 25th August 2024 at Clifton Downs in their hometown of Bristol, the show promises to be the lowest carbon show of its size ever staged.

The event will mark the culmination of 25 years of climate activism on the part of the band, and a first physical fruition of their collaboration with climate scientists and analysts from the renowned Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, including Massive Attack’s commissioning of the only Paris 1.5 compatible roadmap for decarbonisation of the Live Music Sector.

Massive Attack were the first band globally to become members of the UN Race to Zero programme – committing all of their touring & production activities to Paris 1.5 compatible decarbonisation measures, in all scopes 1, 2 and 3 - and the band have now worked together with partners UN Race To Zero, Zenobe, Ecotricity, Train Hugger and Act 1.5 to construct a unique event.

Measures to make the show as climate positive as possible include:

· A localised presale to reduce traffic and emissions

· Event site powered entirely by 100% renewable energy.

· A rail travel incentive initiative to reduce travel emissions

· A meat free arena

· Free post-show electric shuttles to main rail hubs

· 100% zero to landfill waste removal

· Creation of a new, climate resilient woodland plantation in the South West region

· All touring & production vehicles electric or fuelled by verified 100% waste product HVO fuel.

Massive Attack performing on stage

Robert Del Naja aka 3D from the band said:

"We're chuffed to play our home city again and to be able do it in the right way. In terms of climate change action there are no excuses left; offsetting, endless seminars and diluted declarations have all been found out - so live music must drastically reduce all primary emissions and take account of fan travel.

"Working with pioneering partners on this project means we can seriously move the dial for major live music events & help create precedents that are immediately."

Professor Carly McLachlan: The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research said:

“This is precisely the type of transformative approach that we need to see more of in the live music sector and indeed every sector; one that has the collaboration and vision to reduce emissions across all areas of impact and working beyond the areas you directly control to unlock the systemic change we urgently need to deliver on our Paris Agreement commitments”.

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