Carbon-neutral music festival – happening today!
WAYO – Strings of Souls, presented by The Barnhouse, WAYO, and Green Pictures, unites as the visionary force behind Sri Lanka’s first-ever carbon-neutral music festival.
The event will take place today, February 9, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm at The BarnhousePanadura.
This historic event is more than a mere concert, it represents a powerful collaboration that blends music, culture, and sustainability in a way never seen before. In a remarkable feat, 300 passionate guitarists from diverse age groups, backgrounds, and areas of expertise will unite on the same ground, blending their unique skills and perspectives under the guidance of WAYO.
The selection of guitarists for the festival has been a rigorous process, with all guitarists in the country invited to submit their talent videos via WAYO’s platform, resulting in over a thousand applications.
Carbon-neutral goal
WAYO is known for pushing the boundaries of the Sri Lankan music industry with their conceptual, innovative work and is recognised as an icon for their unique creative contributions.
The event is also supported by Green Pictures, a filmmaking collective dedicated to crafting impactful stories that connect us with nature and inspire positive change for the planet. Control Union, a Dutch company renowned for its sustainability expertise, will oversee carbon offsetting, calculations, and tracking to ensure the event meets its carbon-neutral goals. The University of Colombo serves as the knowledge partner, contributing valuable research and analysis, promising to seamlessly blend music, culture, and environmental awareness.
Documentary Footprint
As part of this event, Green Pictures will screen their thought-provoking documentary Footprint at The Barnhouse. Directed by eight passionate filmmakers, Footprint explores the urgent need to protect nature, with each segment offering a unique perspective on what we can do to make a difference.
The festival will also feature guitar workshops led by music industry experts. These interactive sessions aim to foster knowledge sharing, providing participants with hands-on experience, expert techniques, and creative inspiration while promoting the festival’s spirit of collaboration and sustainability.
A step towards sustainability
Known for its eco-conscious ethos, The BarnhousePanadura is leveraging its expertise in sustainable hospitality to create an event that balances artistic brilliance with environmental responsibility. Through innovative partnerships and community-driven initiatives, WAYO – Strings of Souls transcends a typical music festival—it is a movement toward a greener future.
Key sustainability initiatives
The festival is committed to sustainability with several key initiatives aimed at minimizing its environmental footprint. These include zero-waste practices, energy conservation, and sustainable transport.
Single-use plastics will be replaced with biodegradable alternatives, supported by waste segregation and recycling systems. Energy-efficient lighting and optimized sound systems will minimise electricity use, while eco-friendly shuttles and carpool incentives will help reduce emissions.
A plant-based menu featuring locally sourced organic produce reinforces the festival’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.
WAYO – Strings of Souls is an artistic revolution that brings together hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds in a shared vision of harmony and sustainability. Join in shaping a future where art and the environment resonate together as one.
