RESIDENTS will be able to learn how to be environmentally friendly next week during a green-themed festival in Langport.

Transition Town Langport is organising The Great Unleashing in the Ridgway Hall on Saturday 4 April, when the event will be officially opened at noon by Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis. The idea is to enthuse people to try and reduce their carbon footprint.

The day will include energy-saving advice, demonstrations of methane-powered cars and beekeeping, a seed and plant swap, a bicycle workshop, locally produced food and refreshments, boats trips on the River Parrett and children's activities.

A solar-powered cinema will be on Cocklemoor and The Green Fair and Scythe Festival group will have their Renewable Energy Trailer on show, and there will be a wide range of stalls.

Norma Watkins of Transition Town Langport said the activities are designed to illustrate an important message. "We aim to reduce people's carbon footprint and give advice," she said.

"I have solar panels on my house, which is just enough for the water but it is rewarding having a shower knowing the sun has heated it up.

"I first joined a year ago after visiting Cuba and seeing how they lived there. They are virtually oil free, grow organic food and have few cars. It was like seeing the past and future at once and I think we need to take a step back and start again in this country."

The towable trailer is designed to provide a power source for live music at small open-air events and will provide energy requirements for The Great Unleashing. It has been built by engineer Keith Shoemark and was commissioned by the Community Green Fair Group with the help of an Awards For All lottery grant.

The energy is provided by the wind and sun, which is converted to electricity by solar panels and a wind turbine and stored in a bank of 12-volt batteries to provide a 240-volt supply capable of powering a music system, lights, laptop computer and numerous other small appliances.

Entry is free to the festival in the hall at Stacey's Court, off Bow Street, open 11am-4pm. People are urged to walk or cycle to the event.

A ticketed, evening celebration with music by local bands will take place at Lou Lou's Wine Bar and Restaurant, Bow Street, from 7.30pm.