THIS summer, Southampton will be turning green to raise awareness about sustainability. 

Southampton City Council has teamed up with the Southern Sustainability Partnership and is inviting residents to take part in their 'Big Green Event'. 

Next month, over 50 businesses and organisations will set up stalls inside the O2 Guildhall to educate visitors on how to make sustainable decisions.

The event will also extend outside to the Guildhall Square, where visitors can explore the co-event, Big Green Wheels, hosting green transport options such as electric and hybrid cars and vans, and even test drive a Tesla.

The city council has said that this will be the largest green event of its kind and there will be something for all ages to enjoy.

For younger ones, there will be an opportunity to see a real working beehive and learn about composting, followed by a lesson on how to make an eco-Christmas cracker. 

Portswood ward councillor, Cllr Lisa Mitchell said: "Hosting the first Big Green Event is so exciting for Southampton and really helps us underpin the green ambitions for our city. This event promises to be full of ideas and support to help us make changes to live, work, play, and travel more sustainably. There is something for everyone to enjoy and it is free to attend." 

Meanwhile, Lynda Daniels, director of the Southern Sustainability Partnership, said: "We are so excited to be a part of Southampton City Council’s first Big Green Event. We can’t wait to welcome people from across the region, and we promise them a great day out." 

Organisations including My Journey, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission, Southampton National Park City, the Environment Centre, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace are taking part in the event. 

Environment experts will be on hand to answer visitors' questions regarding climate change and greener living.

The Southampton event is free and will take place on Saturday, July 30 between 11am and 3.30pm.