Revellers visiting Warwick this summer will be able to do their bit for the environment thanks to a new reusable cup scheme launched by local businesses.
The scheme, launched by local pubs and bars and backed by Warwick Chamber of Trade, will allow people visiting the town for the Commonwealth Games – during which Warwick is hosting the cycling race – as well as those joining in Warwick’s world-famous Folk Festival to purchase a souvenir Warwick Festival Cup from various venues for just £1.
The reusable cup can be used throughout the weekend of Warwick Folk Festival, which takes place from Thursday, 21st July to Sunday, 24th July, as well as during the three weeks of the Commonwealth Games from July 28th to August 8th. It can then be returned to a participating venue or kept as a souvenir.
Warwick is hosting the Commonwealth Games’ Cycling Road Race on August 7th and will be celebrating the Games as a whole, with a huge screen in Market Square – which itself will be turned into a lawned area using artificial grass – as well as activities and sporting demonstrations.
The scheme also coincides with Warwick Folk Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of people to Warwick from around the world, including to the town centre’s fringe event, which encourages people to visit shops, restaurants, pubs and bars while they’re in the area.
The initiative also comes amid Plastic Free July – a global drive to reduce single-use plastics and create cleaner streets, oceans and communities – and adds to the ongoing work by the community in Warwick to promote sustainability.
People wanting to take advantage of the scheme can buy a Warwick Festival Cup from the following venues:-
Rachel Silverthorne, from The Eagle, who is coordinating the scheme, said: “The Commonwealth Games and Warwick Folk Festival are expected to bring a huge influx of people into Warwick Town Centre this month, all likely to want to enjoy a few drinks at our bars and pubs.
“Rather than see thousands of single-use plastic cups littered around the town, we wanted to do something to help people enjoy the festivities more sustainably and maybe also have a souvenir from their weekend in Warwick.”
Sue Butcher, chair of Warwick Chamber of Trade, said: “We’re always keen to support our businesses in ideas and initiatives they have to improve the visitor experience to Warwick. This is a great idea and will not only reduce the amount of single-use plastic around the town, but also give people a lovely memento if they want to keep it.”
