Derby City Council is joining communities across the city in taking action for nature and the climate as part of Great Big Green Week this June. 

2026 will mark the event’s sixth occasion, and this year’s theme is Together for Good. The goal is for two million UK residents to take part, an increase of 800,000 from last year.  

A range of free events will take place across the city, bringing together residents, schools, community groups and environmental organisations to encourage greener living and stronger local ties. 

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said: 

 “Great Big Green Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the climate action already happening across Derby and encourage even more people to get involved.

“Many residents are already making small changes in their daily lives, whether that’s recycling more, reducing food waste, using public transport or supporting local community projects. Together, these actions make a real difference.

“The week is about bringing communities together, sharing ideas and showing that climate action can be positive, practical and accessible to everyone.”

The Council’s Recycling Team will be joining in the following activities during the week:  

  • Ecofair at St Philip’s Church in Chaddesden on Saturday 6 June from 11am to 3pm
  • Warm Welcome Café session in Blagreaves on Tuesday 9 June from 10am to 12pm
  • Regenerative Food Festival on Cathedral Green on Saturday 13 June 

Workshops will also be delivered with schools in the Normanton and Arboretum areas, helping children learn the importance of community action early. 

The Week will build on the already impressive momentum of Derby’s recent initiatives to help residents save money while taking everyday actions that also help the climate, such as the Home Energy Advice Service, the ongoing Green Rewards scheme and the rollout of Food Waste Recycling. 

Shortly after Great Big Green Week, Derby Climate Coalition will be holding a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing on Sunday 28 June at QUAD. The new public film brings everyone up to date with the latest climate science and the solutions to tackle the impacts already being seen in the city like extreme heat and flooding. Tickets for the event are free and can be booked on the QUAD website.  

Meanwhile, community group Greener Littleover organised a “Great Little Green Week” during the May half-term holiday to help more children and families take part in daytime activities, featuring special guests Gemma Hunt and the Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire. More information and the full programme of events are available via Greener Littleover. 

City Centre activities are also planned: the Great Big Green Week Market will happen on Saturday 13 June, from 11am to 4pm at St Peter's Church and for more events, residents can check the BIDs website and social media channels.