Gerry McGovern to lead environmental protection festival, ‘The Gathering'

An environmental protection festival, ‘The Gathering – The Sperrins / Na Speiríní’, will be held at Silverbrook Mill, Strabane on June 20.

The theme of the event is “Bogland, Water, Mountains”, designed to reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape and highlight the importance of environmental action.

Speaking at the event is Gerry McGovern, the author of  ‘99th Day: A Warning About Technology’, a book that critiques techno-optimism.

McGovern is also the CEO of Customer Carewords, through which he has consulted for global technology companies and national governments as well as hosting the After the Goldrush podcast which covers environmental preservation and mining across Ireland.

The festival will focus on protection of peatlands, rivers, upland landscapes, biodiversity, cultural heritage and community resilience followed by an evening of live music.

The event will also celebrate the Sperrins as a living landscape and a special place of heritage, ecology, music, language and community. The Sperrins faces the threat of a vast gold mining toxic dump that, should it go ahead, will destroy the mountains and water sources.

“It is about building relationships between campaigns, communities, activists, artists, environmental educators and people who care deeply about the places they live”, read a statement from the event.

“The Gathering grew out of compassionate campaigning. It was created to support grassroots citizens and community campaigns working on urgent environmental issues. The idea was to create a space where people could come together not only to campaign, but to do so with compassion, care and connection at the centre”.

“It recognises that people and nature are interconnected, and that communities need shared voice, practical skills, emotional resilience and strong networks when facing environmental threats. The Gathering has become a platform for those voices and a place to learn, connect, support one another and build momentum together.”

Tickets are free and available through Eventbrite. The organisers encourage those to book in so plans can be made for walks, workshops, food and camping.

The programme of workshops runs from 10:30 until 5pm with dinner and live music afterwards.