Techno Tribe, the renewable energy, alternative technology collective, are having a pretty chilled festival. Established ten years ago in mid-Wales, TechnoTribe have participated at Glastonbury each year the festival has taken place since 1992. The Tribe's area in the Green Futures field has attracted festival goers with its demonstrations of wind and solar power but also with an extremely relaxed environment. With the emphasis decidedly on having fun, the Tribe have an infectious enthusiasm for the ideas they are promoting. "We're chirpy not worthy." quipped Tribe member Cath. "People have told us that it's the most comfortable place in the festival." said fellow Tribesperson Charlotte. "We provide welfare for people who can't make it all the way over to the welfare tent."
I was fortunate enough to have a viewing of their Gaiascope, which, through mirrors and fairly simple geometry creates a visual globe of t.v. images. "Kids love playing computer games on it." Charlotte informed me. It is of course powered entirely by sustainable means. Beds and other comfy items of furniture in the pink tent are all made from reclaimed and recycled materials, as are the displays and interactive pieces. The pink tent also has a DJ booth entirely powered by solar photo-voltaic cells. "We had Matt Black of Coldplay DJing up here last night." It was, I am assured, quite a night.
Anyone wishing to find out more about TechnoTribe or renewable energy in general can contact various members at the Centre for Alternative Technology on: 01654 702400 or visit The Alternative Technology website for more information.
Words/Pictures: Jamie Walters