BGI member Salena visited the Aarati Festival of Light at Lanhydrock, Cornwall recently...

'As I entered the Aarati festival I could feel the welcoming, relaxing atmosphere. The organisers were extremely helpful at the gates and provided everyone with a green fairy stamp on their hand. When I got to the main area I was amazed how big the festival was and how many stalls there were. It was a fantastic display of what Cornwall had to offer the growing alternative population.

Halfway through the day Brigit gave a talk in one of the tents; lots of people turned up to listen and passersby became intrigued, came inside and stayed to listen. Brigit give an inspiring interactive talk allowing people to have hands-on experience with products she was talking about. Although most people at the festival would already know about climate change and most would be trying to make a difference I feel everyone came away from the talk having learnt something new. This was confirmed by the gasps of horror when Brigit explained about the clothing industry and organic cotton. At the end of the talk everyone stayed and talked to each other and you could hear people passing on tips about saving energy. I have seen Brigit talk at a number of different festivals but each time I manage to go away having learnt something new and with a new thought in my mind that makes me want to make another change for the better.

In the afternoon I managed to have a look around the stalls. There were lots of amazing local crafts for sale. I also found out about an organisation called Parallel Community and talked to two interesting people on the stall who explained that they are trying to bring people together to create a network and a platform where people can express and develop their positive contribution for change.

I was really impressed with this festival; I would definitely return and recommend it to friends. I found the feeling and vibe of the festival very friendly and open. This feeling was confirmed when I was sitting on a bale of hay, sipping a cup of tea and a couple of people came along with instruments and before I knew it I was bopping along with some shakers in my hand and joining in the fun. I hope this festival grows and becomes an even bigger event in the future.'