A FESTIVAL to celebrate clean air in Southampton will see transport companies showing off their vehicles and events held in Guildhall Square – including electric car demonstrations.

The Clean Air Day is set to feature reduced bus fares, electric-vehicle advisors, a chillout zone, and advice on how residents can live in a more environmentally friendly way.

For one day only passengers using smartcards of contactless-enabled bank cards will be charged just 50p on Southampton’s Firstbus.

Bluestar will have its Bluestar 1 low emissions Euro 6 on show at Guildhall Square and Octopus Electric Vehicles will be in Guildhall Square from 10am to 7pm with cars from BMW, Nissan, Renault and Tesla.

A team of experts will be on hand to explain how the electric cars work while the “festival”

of free events is set to include a chill-out zone, a bike zone, music, health checks and advice on reducing emissions.

James Cleeton, England director south at Sustrans, said: “While it’s great that we have a day to highlight the issue of air quality, if more people felt able to choose walking and cycling for short journeys all year round we wouldn’t need days like these.

“To help clean up our air, the UK government needs to show leadership by helping local authorities fund and deliver better cycling and walking infrastructure, so that every child and adult is able to travel on foot or by bike to school in safety and with confidence.

“We hope that everyone who participated in this year’s Big Pedal competition will continue to travel actively and in doing so help make walking and cycling a normal part of the school run.

“This will play a huge role in improving air quality and will protect future generations for years to come.”

Anyone who comes to the event using public transport, car or motorbike sharing, cycling or walking, will get a voucher for a free picnic.

MP Southampton Test Alan Whitehead (pictured left) and Chris Hammond, leader of Southampton City Council, will announce the winner of a new bike.

Residents will also be encouraged to take part in the Clean Air Zone Consultation which starts on June 21.

Events at the main site in Guildhall Square include: l 12-12.30 School pupils present & perform their findings on clean air, including a Clean Air dance l 1pm – Stakeholders’ photoshoot l 3pm – Sheriff Councillor Baillie & Councillor Keogh – Cargo Bike Challenge l 4pm – Speeches from Alan Whitehead MP and Southampton City Council leader Christopher Hammond There will be lung health checks at the Chill Out Zone from 10am until 4pm and the Breathe Easy Choir will perform from noon.