PREPARATIONS are underway for the Great Big Green Week in Dawlish starting this weekend.

The urgent need to tackle climate change will see Dawlish host a week-long event, along with thousands of other communities taking action to tackle carbon and protect green spaces nationwide.

The coordinated events aim to call on politicians to raise their game and get serious about reducing carbon emissions and protecting nature.

A packed bill of artists and local choirs will perform on Dawlish Lawn on Saturday. The town will host a number of activites and workshops for seven days thereafter.

They will be joined by information stands from environmental charities and campaign groups.

Carolyn Ballard, Chairman of organisers, Sustainable Dawlish, said: ‘We would like to thank you all for your support and look forward to a successful week to celebrate climate action and raise awareness of the importance of making greener lifestyle choices in order to become carbon neutral.

‘We’re hoping that all the events are enjoyed and helped raise awareness of the challenges we face, particularly as a coastal community. We want to encourage people to make small changes that can make a difference.

A show stopping line-up to kick things off on The Lawn on Saturday:

10.30 am: Opening by Cllr Val Mawhood, mayor, Dawlish Town Council

Following an address by Cllr Mawhood, visitors can look foward to: and afternoon of entertainment.The line-up comprises:

10.45am: Westcliff Primary Academy Choir and Guitarists

11.30am: Dawlish College Singers and Accompanist

12.15pm: Cockwood Primary School Choir

1pm: Gatehouse Primary Academy Choir

1.30 pm: South Devon Singers Community Choir

2.00 pm: David P Bailey Acoustic Guitarist

2.30 pm: South Devon Singers Community Choir

3pm: David P Bailey Acoustic Guitarist

3.30pm: Kim’s Acapella Group

The event will feature Information Stands run by: Dawlish Town Council, Teignbridge District Council, ACTion on Climate in Teignbridge, ACT Wildlife Wardens, Dawlish Against Plastic, Devon Contract Waste, South West Water, The Shores of South Devon, Cockwood Primary School PFA , Devon Wildlife Trust, Dawlish Garden Society, and Sustainable Dawlish.

District councillor Martin Wrigley was thrilled to see the event going ahead. ‘It’s just fantastic’, he said. ‘I was working with Sustainable Dawlish and Dawlish Against Plastic on a green event just before the pandemic hit, so to see this week going ahead is brilliant.’

He added: ‘There’s lots going on so the more we can educate people on the changes we can all make to fight climate change - the better!’

Dawlish town mayor, Cllr Val Mawhood said she was delighted to be asked to open the event. She explained: ‘I’ve had a lifelong Interest in nature and gardening and like many people I am concerned about the strains on our planet at the moment.’

The mayor added: ‘We all need to look at how we can save our world and live sustainably. I urge everyone to get involved.

The group behind the event, Dawlish Transition, expressed gratitude to all those who have helped get the event off the ground: Dawlish Town Council, Cllr Gary Taylor, Cllr Martin Wrigley, and The Climate Coalition.

Organisers are still looking for a compere to host proceedings at the Dawlish Lawn event on Saturday.