Root & Rise: Join Edinburgh's Biggest Climate Celebration!
Come along to the Edinburgh Climate Festival, the City’s largest annual gathering of climate action groups!
Saturday 28th June 2025, 12pm - 7pm at Edinburgh Meadows, Southside
The Edinburgh Climate Festival (ECF) is a free, fun day out for the whole family, offering an array of stalls, activities, workshops, and performances on a stage built entirely from reusable materials, and powered by bicycles! ECF is also the perfect opportunity to find out about the many climate action groups currently working across the city. ECCAN will be taking part in the Festival and is very excited to promote this celebration of climate action in Edinburgh.
ECCAN volunteer Zoe chatted to the festival’s Coordinator Franciele Sobierai from ELREC, and Sakshi Jindal, one of the many festival volunteers, to find out more about the festival.
Franciele, tell us about the theme for this year’s event, “Root & Rise”.
Franciele: It’s about grounding ourselves, reconnecting with nature, honouring our well-being, and building strong foundations, so we can rise with purpose, adopt sustainable habits, and take collective action for climate justice. Our main goal is to share this message and empower communities to grow and act together.
How will ECF address the urgency of climate action?
By hosting free and accessible activities, ECF highlights practical ways individuals and local groups can make a meaningful impact. It showcases community-led projects that are already tackling environmental issues, encouraging collaboration, and shows that everyone has a role to play in building a more sustainable future. ECF doesn’t just talk about climate change, it empowers people to be part of the solution, right here in their own neighbourhoods.
What can visitors expect to see and do on the day?
The full programme will be released soon, but here’s a taste of what’s on: climate-related scientific talks, yoga and meditation sessions, qi gong, a listening circle [run by ECCAN], theatre and dance, fantastic art installations, upcycling workshops, and much more.
Where can people find the full schedule and how can they register or get tickets?
Tickets are available on Eventbrite. The full programme will be published soon on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Sakshi, the festival is a massive undertaking and couldn’t be possible without volunteers like yourself. How do you think the festival creates a sense of community?
Sakshi: The festival brings together a diverse range of local groups, artists, and educators, making climate action feel accessible and rooted in community. By highlighting local initiatives and giving people practical tools and knowledge, the festival shows that everyone can play a part. It creates a sense of collective responsibility and support, which is really empowering.
For those inspired to get more involved, are there opportunities to volunteer during the festival or afterwards?
Sakshi: Absolutely! We’re actively looking for volunteers to support the festival on the day, specially as stewards. The application form can be found here. With over 60 organisations participating in this year’s ECF, there are also plenty of ways to stay involved even after the event. Whether people are interested in joining a local climate group, supporting community gardens, or getting involved in sustainability education, many of our stallholders offer fantastic opportunities to take meaningful action and stay connected to the climate movement year-round.
Ready to get involved?
Book free tickets for the day:
Sign up for ECCAN’s free Climate Listening Circle: