The Future of Music Festivals Sound Like This: The success of Lime Green Festival

When you stop to add it up, the impact on the environment to run a music festival is actually quite shocking. Between the excess waste, the carbon footprint of travel and the power required for sound and lighting systems, the average festival can emit up to 500 tons of CO2 emissions. 

And now, pioneering what the future of music festivals can look like, is the beloved Australian band Lime Cordiale. For the first time ever, they have executed Australia’s climate-focussed, 100% off-grid festival right here in Adelaide. As an issue that this duo have always been passionate about, Oliver and Louis Leimbach have re-designed the model for music festivals with climate action at the forefront. So, how can a festival run on completely renewable energy? Don’t you worry, the Leimbach’s have completed it, mate! 

Lime Green Festival took place at the Adelaide University Cloisters - this intimate space was perfect for curating all the festival had to offer. The day itself was about more than the music. Spotted around the venue were a variety of climate groups and activations for patrons to engage with. Notably, Lime Green was able to onboard the Australian Conservation Foundation and their CEO. Adam Bandt (who opened the event with a DJ set!). 

Mid-set, Oli shared that one of the biggest carbon footprints emitted to put on a festival is the transport of patrons, crew and equipment. To combat this, the Leimbach’s began their road trip to Adelaide from NSW in electric vans, calling out to the community along the way to join them. The day of, Oli and Louis invited festival goers to join them for a bicycle convoy into the city for the event! 

The lineup was curated to give a platform to the many incredible musicians from South Australia. From Triple J Unearthed Winner Effie Isobel, Sticky Beak, Tonix, Pash and Aleksiah, each with fans eager to see them. When night fell, Lime Green closed out the evening with The Dreggs and Lime Cordiale. These acts pulled festival goers of all ages, the ticket also a fair price-point for a full day of amazing talent! 

Powering the music itself was an impressive battery run completely on renewable energy, proving that for a festival of this scale, it can in fact, be done! One slight sacrifice only being to choose lighting colours that used the least amount of power, Oli shared. 

For a city that is skipped sometimes, Adelaide was sure feeling the love yesterday! As a state in Australia that is leading with our climate action initiatives, Lime Cordiale thought it was only fitting that they reward our efforts by trialing their climate conscious festival in the heart of our city. There was an extremely wholesome community vibe felt amongst us all. United by music and a good cause, the message that small collective efforts can make a huge difference reigned true across the event. 

During their encore, Lime Cordiale were joined by Toxic Surf, a South Australian community-led, ocean-loving collective. Throughout the night, Toxic Surf paraded around their huge hand-made lanterns of sea life, literally “swimming” them over our heads. Despite making minimal headlines interstate, South Australia’s devastating Algae Bloom has affected many since it began last year. It was heartwarming to hear Louis speak towards the incredible work Toxic Surf is doing to bring attention to the bloom, also sharing that $1 from every ticket sold is going towards their important work. 

Alongside all of the teams involved in the smooth execution of this event, Lime Cordiale have now planted the seed and set the standard on climate conscious festivals. Whilst the music may have been the drawcard for most, all audiences were invited to experience, learn, and adjust future habits when experiencing festivals. By reconsidering your transport, or making sure you dispose of your waste are some simple ways that patrons can lessen their environmental impact. 

Lime Green Festival’s success is a reminder that the music industry doesn’t have to compromise sustainability for profits. If this is what a sustainable festival sounds like, the future is in very good hands. I will be eagerly awaiting the return of Lime Green Festival in the future, and hopefully other cities will be able to experience what’s possible! Congratulations to all involved, it clearly was a team effort, and Adelaide truly thanks you! 

- By Sophie Tsoulos


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