Liverpool is set to host a groundbreaking series of concerts to celebrate being named the world’s first ‘UN Accelerator City’ for climate action. The event, titled ‘Act 1.5 presents…’, will take place from November 28th to 30th at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, featuring performances by Massive Attack, IDLES, and Nile Rodgers.
This initiative highlights Liverpool’s dedication to technical innovation and smart regulations aimed at rapidly reducing carbon emissions in the live music and TV/Film production sectors. Following in the footsteps of Bristol, the city has partnered with clean energy provider Ecotricity to implement measures to minimize the environmental impact of such a large-scale event.
Some of the key initiatives include a presale period exclusively for residents of the Liverpool City Region, powering the entire event site with renewable energy, promoting public transport through partnerships with Merseytravel, Avanti West Coast, and Trans Pennine Express, offering a meat-free arena, ensuring zero to landfill waste removal, and implementing a single technical setup shared by all acts. Additionally, the concerts will end earlier than usual to allow audiences to utilize public transport for their journey home.
Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack expressed excitement about the opportunity to showcase how major live music events can align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree target. He emphasized the need for dynamic pilots and experiments to phase out fossil fuels rapidly. Nile Rodgers, known for his work with CHIC, highlighted the significance of joining forces with Massive Attack to support Liverpool’s climate action program.
In terms of ticketing, organizers are taking a unique approach to reduce carbon emissions associated with audience travel. Tickets will be released in two blocks, with the first block reserved for Liverpool City Region residents. These ticket holders will have access to a 48-hour regional presale and will be charged a small fee to cover public transport to the event. This initiative aims to encourage the use of trains, buses, and ferries to reduce the environmental impact of travel to the concerts.
For those living outside the region, the second block of tickets will be released later, with offers and incentives for rail travel shared through ticketing agents. By participating in this experimental ticketing system, concert-goers can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner air in Merseyside.
To purchase tickets for the ‘Act 1.5 presents…’ concerts, residents of the Liverpool City Region can visit https://www.mandsbankarena.com/act-1-5-presents/. General ticket sales will open to all fans on Friday, September 27th, at https://tix.to/ACT1.5PRESENTS. Join the movement for climate action and enjoy a night of music while making a positive impact on the environment.