Visitors to this year’s Cheltenham Science Festival were invited to join The Vegan Society for a discussion about the food we eat and climate change. On Wednesday the 5th of June, our panel discussion – ‘Meat and Potatoes or Two Veg?’ – was delivered to a captive audience of around 200 people.
Continuing the debate with a relaxed drinks reception, generously sponsored by Maria Borlotti organic vineyards in Bologna, Clearspring Organics and Dominion Brewery Company Ltd., and the Cheltenham Science Festival, leaps and bounds were made in the way of initiating real dialogue amongst members of the public. We were delighted that some of the organisers of the festival even came along to share their thoughts with our team; one or two mentioned they were inspired to reconsider their food choices following the event.
As the vegan movement gains momentum, having a strong presence at science festivals will be vital in our efforts to reach new audiences and bring veganism into the mainstream; science festivals are places where people come willing to learn and discuss, and be introduced to new ideas.
The Vegan Society took Cheltenham Science Festival by storm and paved the way for the future. We succeeded in boosting our profile considerably within the scientific community, placing veganism firmly on the map. Thank you to our fantastic panellists: Richard Twine, Tim Lang, and Tara Garnett, for inspiring others to make a difference in an engaging and non-judgemental way. Thank you also to Vegan Society staff and volunteers for their strong vision, hard work, and enthusiasm for the event.
