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Press Release: Sadler’s Wells Switches out the Lights for Earth Hour, 19 March 2016


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Sadler’s Wells Switches out the Lights for Earth Hour, 19 March 2016

 

 

Sadler’s Wells joins thousands of organisations and individuals around the world to take part in Earth Hour on Saturday 19 March 2016.

 

Earth Hour is a symbolic lights out event organised by WWF to focus attention on protecting the planet. The theatre will switch off all external lights, including external architectural lighting of the building and signage between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

 

Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells, said: “I believe the cultural sector has no lesser role than the media to play in highlighting issues relating to how we can take better care of our planet. So I am delighted that, once again this year, Sadler’s Wells will be taking part in Earth Hour and adding our voice to the call to action on climate change.” 

Joining Earth Hour is one of many initiatives undertaken by Sadler’s Wells in a drive to increase the sustainability of the building and its operations.

Since 2014, the theatre has carried out a number of technical refurbishments, with support from Arts Council England, designed to reduce energy demand and CO2 emissions. Electricity at Sadler's Wells is now purchased from 100% renewable sources. A switch to low energy dimmable LED house lights in the main auditorium and back of house spaces, including dressing rooms, is one of the venue’s largest energy-saving initiatives.

In April 2015 photovoltaic cells were fitted to the roof of the building to generate energy, and in their first ten months they generated 15,587KWh. Other works in 2015included ventilation upgrades to the Lilian Baylis Studio, the replacement and refurbishment of boilers and an upgrade of the Building Management System, which now allows the energy use in each area of the theatre to be closely monitored.

This year marks the second time Sadler’s Wells has taken part in Earth Hour, which presents something of a challenge for the venue as there is a performance on stage that night. Emma Wilson, Sadler’s Wells’ Director of Technical and Production and Chair of the theatre’s Sustainability Committee, explained: “We have equestrian theatre artist Bartabas on stage with his show, Golgota that night. The performance finishes at 8.45pm, so audience members will be coming out into the foyer during Earth Hour. Of course we cannot change the lighting in the production, but we will have the lights in the foyer dimmed, which audiences will notice as they exit the theatre, as well as all our external lighting switched off completely.”

Jennifer Clements, spokesperson for WWF-UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Sadler’s Wells will be taking part in WWF’s Earth Hour again this year and hope that they’ll inspire many others to get involved. By taking one simple step to switch off, WWF’s Earth Hour is a chance for all of us to come together and send out a global message about protecting our planet.”

In 2015, a record-breaking 172 countries and some of world’s most famous buildings including Big Ben, Hong Kong’s skyline and the Sydney Harbour Bridge joined Earth Hour. In the UK alone, over 10 million people took part, along with over 4,800 schools, 200 landmarks and thousands of businesses and organisations.

 

 

 

Notes to editors:

 

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour, organised by WWF, is the world’s biggest celebration for our amazing planet. In the UK last year, over 10 million people took part, along with over 4,800 schools, 200 landmarks and thousands of businesses and organisations. Iconic landmarks including Big Ben and Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Blackpool Tower, The Kelpies, Caerphilly Castle and many more joined the global lights out.

 

Globally, from Samoa to Tahiti, a record 172 countries and territories took part in the world’s biggest Earth Hour yet.  The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai, South Africa’s Table Mountain, The Acropolis in Athens, The Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Empire State Building and Times Square in New York City, and the Las Vegas Strip were just a few of the world-famous landmarks that joined in. 

 

About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s largest independent conservation organisations, with more than five million supporters and a global network active in more than one hundred countries. Through our engagement with the public, businesses and government, we focus on safeguarding the natural world, creating solutions to the most serious environmental issues facing our planet, so that people and nature thrive.  Find out more about our work, past and present at wwf.org.uk.

 

 

About Sadler’s Wells
Sadler's Wells is a world-leading dance house, committed to producing, commissioning and presenting new works and to bringing the best international and UK dance to London and worldwide audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding, the theatre’s acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap. 

 

Since 2005, it has helped to bring over 100 new dance works to the stage and its award-winning commissions and collaborative productions regularly tour internationally. Sadler’s Wells supports 16 Associate Artists, three Resident Companies, an Associate Company and two International Associate Companies. It also nurtures the next generation of talent through its New Wave Associates and Summer University programmes, its Wild Card initiative and hosting of the National Youth Dance Company.

 

Located in Islington, north London, the current theatre is the sixth to have stood on the site since it was first built by Richard Sadler in 1683. The venue has played an illustrious role in the history of theatre ever since, with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Opera all having started at Sadler’s Wells. Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 10% of its revenue from Arts Council England. 

 

 

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