FACILITIES

In 2008, the Sunrise Celebration will be adopting a comprehensive toilet strategy to ensure that there are suitable facilities for everyone. This means that we will be providing a range of loos including Tree Bogs (as seen in 2007), new composting models including the amazing Thunderboxes, some portaloos, disabled toilets (in the arena and disabled camping area),child-friendly loos and male urinals.

The Natural Event Compost Loos

Natural Event has designed and operates the most effective, practical, enjoyable and appraised toilet system for festivals, events and gatherings where people poo. Natural Event was created after the organizers of the Festival of Folk Rhythm and Life in Australia came to understand that the toilet system they had created for themselves to cater for a three day festival had national and international relevance. This year for Sunrise, Natural Event will be providing up to 80 fully functioning compost toilet units, a first in the UK events industry.

Natural Event has risen to meet the demand that festivals have around the world, a demand that starts with the need to respect. Respect for the patrons, respect to the use of water, respect to reduction in energy needed to transport and treatment the previously massive quantities of waste produced

Patrons at camping festivals in particular always complain about the toilets. By firstly listening to the people, and then seeking answers, a problem turns into a hugely positive component of the event. There can be no real comparison of Natural Event’s impact with and a suck and pump system. We have no smell at all, even in the blistering Australian sun, five days into a huge camping festival.

Simply, Natural Event is the first company in Australia and we believe the world, to design an alternative toilet system that has the design and durability to service any demand. Natural Event Composting toilet Systems

1. Use no water to treat or transport the waste.
2. Are Odourless, and cannot be blocked or over flow
3. Reduces the volume of collected material by 85% and any pump outs by 90 – 100 %
4. Feature art and murals and may be themed and painted by each festival
5. Make patrons HAPPY and feel RESPECTED
6. Make high grade fertilizer and worms.

Natural Event wishes to give evidence that it is possible to change a huge festival or a small group for the better by having a decent, if not inspiring moment for the movement. By showing that we can achieve this humble aim with large numbers we are also showing that it is possible for any sized group of people any where to be able to manage their daily deposits with out fear, and with out water and energy being unnecessarily consumed. From Festivals and events, to weddings, to the suburban home to new housing developments to more primary concerns, the time has arrived to do more with less.

Natural Event revolutionizes the concept and experience of going about one’s most natural event at gatherings of the masses. For where people gather for more than an hour or two, people will always need to relieve themselves. By harnessing the understanding that poo could in fact be a solution more than a problem and there really should never be anything disgusting about festival toilets. Based in Victoria, but now expanding into the UK, Natural Event offers toilet hire services, and waste management services to events of all kinds.

Directors: Hamish Skermer (Environmental Chemist) loves organizing events and is passionate about synchronicity and worms

Part of this year's, alternative loo solution is...

THE TREEBOG ©1995 Biologic Design A Waterless Composting Earth Closet.

The Treebog is a simple method of composting wastes, and since its introduction by Biologic Design in 1995 over 500 Treebogs have been built in Britain. They have been a welcome addition on sites ranging from fruit farms and pick-your-own enterprises, campsites and an angling lake to annual festival sites, remote/low impact dwellings and holiday cottages. A Treebog can even be created if you are on the mains but wish to lower the environmental impact of sending your wastewater to the sewage works. The Treebog has attracted the attention of NGOs and aid workers who hope to develop its potential for shanty towns or refugee camps - anywhere that water is scarce and the population pressure on resources is high. Most regions have vigorous and useful plants which, if willow is not available, can be used (e.g. Gliricidia sepium or Quickstick in the subtropics). A Treebog is simply a controlled compost heap whose function has been enhanced by conscious management and the judicious use of moisture/nutrient-hungry trees.

Treebogs use no water, purify waste as they create willow as a biomass resource, and also contain the organic waste, thus preventing the spread of disease - all whilst creating soil.

A seating platform/cubicle is mounted at least 1m over an aerobic compost heap. The area beneath the seating platform should be enclosed by a double-layer of chicken wire - this acts as an effective rodent/small animal and child proof barrier, but allows air to circulate through the compost heap. The structure is then surrounded by two closely planted rows of osier or biomass willow cuttings; this living wall of willow can then be woven into a hurdle-like structure and its annual growth can be harvested.

Treebogs can also be sited on the edge of existing stands of trees, woodlands or hedges: the mature tree roots will soon find the additional source of nutrients, so that the willow may be unnecessary, - or indeed, in the middle of a mature woodland, pretty well impossible due to shading. The Treebog combines resource production and waste purification. The Treebog functions by transforming faeces and urine into growing trees and organic soil. The roots of the trees are host to soil micro-organisms which decompose and mineralise the materials in the compost heap, making the nutrients available to the tree roots. Thus the willow are able to grow more vigorously as these added nutrients become available.

Thunderboxes are made using sustainable timber provided by wood4trees, sourced from Devon woodlands classified as PAWS (Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site). These are managed using continuous cover techniques, and the timber extracted is assisting the conversion of the plantations back to native broadleaved woodland.

To create safe and useful compost,the material needs to either spend considerable time composting away from human contact, thereby breaking the pathogens cycle, or by rapid " Hot composting. " Oxygen loving bacteria are present almost anywhere there is both organic matter to break down and oxygen supply - they just turn up! They do have specific requirements though. Just like a fire they need oxygen and fuel in the right condition. The " fuel " in this case is our deposits plus soak, usually sawdust or straw. This produces a mix of carbon to nitrogen around 30:1. The oxygen loving or Aerobic bacteria will attack this with fervour given good oxygen supply. The unique bulk turn-ability of the Thunderbox containers enables tumbling of the compost at our convenience, with the more turns the greater the speed of composting. A cubic metre of fresh compost will reduce by one third in a month and reduce to one third its original bulk in three months with turning once a week. With careful monitoring it can get to 55-60 degrees Centigrade! This will kill all known pathogens to humans in hours! However, has every molecule reached this temperature? We like this sort of heat level, but also compost for months and generally don't use our compost inside two years. By then it is virtually soil and full of nutrients and high humic content.

Clean running water will, of course, be available across the site as a free and ample resource. The water system supplies showers, caterers, saunas and many other essential facilities. Please bear this in mind when using it - Try not to leave taps on and use the resource sparingly! After all, clean water supplies are one of the challenges of our age.

Sunrise has a wide range of bars to suit all tastes. The Sunrise Bar Company supplies alcohol site-wide including the eponymous Sunrise Celebration Organic Ale. As with our other food and drink, at least 80% of the alcohol stocked on site is organic and, wherever possible, locally produced.

This year's bars will include a Main Tent provided by Event Bars, a Cider Bar, the Avalon Inn, the Mead Tavern in the Out of the Ordinary Area, Pennard Organic Wines and the magical Bimble Inn. Please buy your alcohol from licensed vendors only. If you have any doubts, ask the vendor to show their Sunrise laminate, they should always be ready to help!

The Backstage Bar will be provided by Pussyfoot Entertainments - www.pussyfootentertainments.co.uk

There will be shower facilities on site of both traditional wood-fired kinds, state-of-the-art solar and modern gas-powered models. These will be positioned close to the camping field. As above, we once more advise consciousness in the use of water.

Spiral Sun Solar Showers

Ethos - Spiral Sun Solar Showers have been specially designed to bring a touch of eco luxury to festivals and other outdoor events. To show that environmentally friendly technology can be aesthetically pleasing, economical, effective and pleasant to use.

Solar collector tent and entrance to inner cubicle

Part of the aim of Spiral Sun is to help raise public awareness of the potential of alternative technologies by providing effective and pleasant facilities they can use. Naturally their presence at events will help reinforce similar messages the event organisers may wish to convey.

Co2 footprint - The light weight construction and efficiency of the solar design means spiral sun can boast of the lowest Co2 footprint of any mobile shower units anywhere.

Crew - Full time attendants ensure the novel layout doesn't phase first time users and that the highest standards of hygiene are maintained. Experienced full time rigger/operators and the tried and tested equipment ensure an enviable record of smooth running in all conditions.

Performance - Performance in sunny weather is comparable to gas powered trailer/electric powered portaloo types. In poorer weather or early mornings the showers rely on a wood fired water heating system to compensate for the lack of sunshine.

Design - Each solar shower unit has 2 cubicles or berths, i.e. a solar collector tent with an inner cubicle and an attached al fresco cubicle. Both cubicles are designed to enable changing in privacy as well as showering. The inner cubicle provides a draught free warm environment and a reassuring sense of seclusion. The outer cubicle provides for the very pleasant experience of showering in the fresh air. Both cubicles can be used at the same time, providing users with a choice.

Soaps - To minimise the environmental impact of waste water only biodegradable soaps may be used in the showers. A general purpose shampoo/body wash is provided free for customers not having their own.

User Numbers - The number of showers the system can provide is similar to other mobile showers i.e. about 6 an hour per berth. If the minimum of 2 units (4 berths) are hired this is about 250 showers per 12 hr day or 500 showers a day if 4 units (8 berths) are hired.

Once more there will be several sauna facilities on site, both a magic hat option and a paying 'lush' space. These are positioned across the events arena.

For more FAQs on these areas (such as location on site, camping with a camper van, etc) please go to the Sunrise Forum hosted on Festival Weather. Camping is provided as part of the ticket price (apart from Sunday day tickets) and is situated adjacent to the main events arena on a flat 20 acre field. The Campsite is managed by a Community Safety Team who will be helping make the space safe and pleasant for all its users. You may only pitch one small tent next to your campervan, unfortunately due to fire safety laws you cannot have your friends camping around your campervan in tents.

Camper Van areas are situated on another part of the site, away from ordinary camping areas, in a location overlooking the rest of the site.

Both fields have toilets, water and other basic facilities. Caravans are to be kept in the camper van field and can be towed there before the car is unhitched and moved to the parking field. For more information, please view FAQs (To be completed soon).

Visit Our New Specific Alternative Camping Page with More Info

In 2008, Sunrise will host a range of alternative living accomodation options for the discerning festival-goer! No longer is it necessary to spend your days in a leaky (not that it will rain!) tent. Instead why not choose a life of luxury and book into one of our alternative options? The alternative camping area will have its own clean compost toilets, secure fencing and shower and sauna facilities. There will also be a dedicated Horse and Cart service direct from the car parks to luxury camping areas. At Sunrise Celebration 2008, we will have the following options available. More to be added soon.

Pod Pads - A real, stylish and unique alternative to traditional camping. Pod Pads are built from wood and come fitted with carpeting, interior lighting and internal and external locks. They are weatherproof, soundproof, secure, safe and cosy. Ideal for storage as well! Pod Pads can stand alone or as part of a terrace - so you can stay alongside all your mates!

Tipis and Yurts - The opportunity to try the Tipi and Yurt experience is available through Hearthworks, coordinators of the Global Tipi Village. Tipis and Yurts are traditional nomadic tents, that benefit from spacious interiors, an open fire or wood burning stove, and optional furnishings. Great for families or groups of friends. For details of booking visit www.hearthworks.co.uk

Caravans - Caravans are perfect for giving you the comforts of home in a field. Those available will range from two to six berth, ideal for families, and will have the added option of an electric hook-up. These will be available to hire in advance of the event. For enquiries please contact simon@conceptproductsltd.co.uk

Buying a ticket does not entitle an attendee to flypitch at the festival. Flypitch licenses can be bought from the Market Officer between 10am and Midday at the designated flypitch zone (See programme on site). Licenses apply daily only and will need to be repurchased the next day. A new enforcement team will ensure that anybody found trading without a license or outside the designated area will have their items confiscated until the end of the festival.

Car Parking is provided on-site in a designated field. All cars cost a set parking fee of £12.50 (see bookings page for details) which can be paid for with tickets. All public cars are restricted to access to this part of the site only. Other forms of connecting transport are available to take you to the camping fields. Live-in vehicles, e.g. Camper Vans, have access to their own area. There is no parking available in the vicinity off-site. All attendees coming by vehicle MUST park onsite or face being refused entry upon arrival. For liftshare and public transport options, please see the Getting Here page

In 2008, the major form of on-site transport will be Rickshaws. These will be providing on-site transport for attendees from their vehicles to the camping fields. They will also be available for return journeys and other such duties. Just signal them when you need them and hopefully they will be able to help. To support this green transport system, there will also be a range of other options, possibly including some Horsedrawn transport and a train. We hope to organise a mobile service for disabled festival-goers. More on this later.

The Information Service will be provided by Access All Areas in 2008. Running alongside this one-stop info shop will be the secure lock-ups that are available for use for crew and public (at a minimal charge). As part of our community safety initiatives for the year, we are introducing these lock-ups to ensure that you can bring along your digital cameras and other valuable items without fear of theft. Nonetheless, stay alert for thieves.

There are a range of markets on site, mostly clustered at the North end of the events arena closest to the campsites. A huge range of products will be available from our ethical market-place including arts, crafts, smoking gear, clothing, jewellery and much much more. As an ethical event, we aim to ensure that the products on sale in the marketplace are of the highest quality, fair-trade and organic where possible. We aim to offer a breadth of products from practical to beautiful, inspirational to informative. This year there will be a special Green Innovations area showcasing a range of Green products and services from journals to Tipis; ethical banking to eco-electricity options.

There will be a large range of food stalls on offer at Sunrise, clustered around the NEW Organic Food Emporium, serving sumptious delights in a host of environments, from Moroccan Tents to self-build structures. The Food Emporium is a beautifully decorated marquee set aside for customers to eat their meals in, out of the elements, entertained by live busking from a host of performers. We can promise a global outlook to whats on offer and that there will be a number of meat and fish options amongst the largely vegetarian/vegan fare. All caterers are expected to offer a minimum of 80% organic ingredients, as to our site-wide policies on this matter. Prepare for your taste buds to be enthralled. A list of food and drink stalls will soon be available via the website. Yum Yum. There is a general store on-site, Hazlemere Wholefoods, with all the daily basics available including milk, fresh foods, dried foods, snacks, drinks and other bits.

Bloomin' Babies will also be present and will be able to supply nappies and other baby-related sundries.

The Sunrise Big Red Bus Service offers a chance to go off site to Yeovil for any supplies that you cannot find on site and if for some bizarre reason you feel a need for some corporate consumption. See Getting Here page for details of the service

Located at the entrance to the Events Arena from the camper van and car parking areas, the Welfare Village is home to our field hospital, first aid department and other Medical services, as well as the Welfare Area - the place to come to sooth your woes. In this hallowed space can be found the Welfaeries, purveyors of care and compassion for the mentally and emotionally challenged. As well as all the mainstream options, alternative therapies including herbalism and homeopathy will be available in the healing area. Check out the website: www.medicalwelfare.org.uk

Lost Property is located at the Access All Areas information point. If you leave something valuable at the event, please contact us via info@sunrisecelebration.com once it is all over and we will do our best to return it.

The onsite cash machine will be positioned at the northern end of the markets close to Joe Bananas Camping Store.