Wax + Gears, Future Yard’s Pedal-Powered Festival Returns on 23 July
Wax + Gears is a one-day family festival of music, cycling culture and climate activism, all taking place in an off-grid, pedal-powered arena within the large outdoor garden space at Future Yard.
Drawing together the ideas of music discovery, cycling, analogue and sustainability – and with an eco-conscious aesthetic – Wax + Gears is a platform based around community, collective enrichment and celebration. After the success of their inaugural event in 2022, they’re pleased to be welcoming another diverse selection of Merseyside artists to this summer’s family-friendly event, plus an eclectic mix of DJs and workshops.
The event will be completely off-grid, with all power generated by a bank of dynamo bikes adjacent to the stage.
The audience will be encouraged to ‘keep the pedals spinning so the records keep turning!’ throughout the day. They have an established partner to provide the pedal-powered PA infrastructure and all other technical delivery will be provided in-house.
Kicking things off with a Family Fun Ride organised by HYPE Urban Bikes, participants are encouraged to sign-up and meet at the South Lodge of Birkenhead Park’s Grand Entrance for 1pm, arriving at Future Yard before the start of the event at 3pm. From here, the programme of live music, DJs, and activities is set to begin in Future Yard’s outdoor Garden space, including a craft workshop from Comics Youth and clothes swap led by Future Yard’s own Again.
Future Yard co-founder Christopher Torpey says: “For years the music industry has had an acute problem with sustainability. As part of our own carbon neutral journey, we are committed to ensuring that we create a place that has a net positive environmental impact. And we’re also committed to showing that this journey needn’t be dull or difficult, which is why Wax + Gears is an annual fixture in our calendar. What’s not to love about an eco carnival where you power the performances?”
Beija Flo is truly an artist for our times. Able to provoke the types of conversations that many artists would shy away from, she is the perfect artist to embody their ethos at Wax + Gears.
“I love the planet and I also love bikes. But bikes in Birkenhead? Now that’s something special.
After performing on ‘Earth Day’ at Future Yard, two years on the trot, it feels only right to be returning for such a special event. Gigs like this are what all promoters and venues should be aiming to do regularly to help the planet and I’m honoured to be a part of leading the way.”
They’ll also be joined by Cheery and Tessio on their pedal-powered stage, whilst Dance 4 Plants DJs bring global grooves and an open-minded approach to all of their sets, using their performances to raise awareness of conservation efforts and charities. Having helped to plant more than 800 trees to aid reforestation in Scotland, they also support a variety of local and global charities concerned with sustainability.
Extinction Rebellion and the Green Party will also be present on the day, giving attendees the chance to start important conversations and engage with the community on the issues that matter to them.
In March 2022, Future Yard launched their Sustainability Roadmap, produced in partnership with LJMU’s Low Carbon Eco Innovatory. At the heart of the roadmap is a plan to encourage their audiences to move away from cars and towards active travel through dynamic and creative conversations.
You can find out more about Future Yard’s Sustainability Roadmap with this short video, created in partnership with Ecotricity – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRe0VkXiMHM
Future Yard are thankful to Morecrofts Solicitors for their support towards Wax + Gears.
Wax + Gears
23 July, 3pm
Future Yard
Free Entry
