Well, what can we say about Vevolution? Lots of great things - what a well-rounded and informative festival - it is one of many innovative and inspirational plant-based events that the UK has to offer, and they will be making great strides in the future - we're sure of it.
The day was jam-packed full of panel discussions, inspirational talks, delicious food and workshops from some of the most creative and brightest vegan thinkers.
Heather Mills took to the Vevolution main stage alongside the likes of Sarah Bentley (Founder of Made in Hackney) Hilary Jones (Ethical Director at LUSH) Derek Sarno (Wicked Healthy) and Vevolution’s own Damien Clarkson amongst an array of other exceptional plant-based innovators.
Heather was there to promote her plant-based company V-bites alongside some other giants taking over the plant-based world. In her speech she discusses the importance of making the switch to plant-based and vegan foods, that are not only healthy but delicious and nutritious, too.
There was a ProVeg stage which hosted athletes who live on a plant-based diet just like Heather, and there were conversations with local entrepreneurs, animal activists and advocates.
There were many different panels ranging from environmentalists leading the “Let’s talk about the cow in the room” discussion to the fitness panel, “Powered by Plants” with athletes discussing and answering questions regarding their nutrition surrounding a plant-based sustainable and achievable diet.
The Parenting Panel was extremely informative in “Raising the next generation” where parents such as Laura Pierson (Vegan Mama) gave tips and advice on a range of topics with first-hand experience of raising the next generation of vegans and activists.
Matthew Glover (Founder of Veganuary) also shared his thoughts on effective communication and strategic campaigning for the plant-based movement and discussed his new book “How To Go Vegan” which you can check out and pre-order here.
It’s December, and yes you should totally go and sign up for Veganuary, and it’s free.
The founders of BOSH TV, Ian and Henry were also there. These TV Vegan cooks have a burning desire to show the world just how easy it can be to eat plants. Their inventive food creations reached more than half a billion people in their first year. They cooked up a storm at the show generating an ensemble of aromas tempting all to try their delicious recipes.
Heather delivered an inspirational and eye-opening speech to a full house on the main stage. Heather spoke passionately about the plant-based industry, the marine eco system and the importance of buying British for an hour.
Following on from Heather’s talk there was some great feedback popping up on social media:
“The way the media can portray someone can influence your perception. @heathermillsoffical is a force to be reckoned with! What a story, what an inspiration and what an amazing woman! Loved her talk and her openness and humour. Speaking from the heart. Gutted I didn’t chat to her after” - @Louisejaynesimpson
“Heather was mind-blowing – loved her talk” - @veryanwj
“I had no idea how much amazing stuff Heather Mills has done until I saw her talk at @vevolution. She has achieved so much for human and animal welfare. She also helped launch Winchester’s Centre for Animal Welfare last year, where I’m studying” - @moonlolly
Heather said:
“It was such a pleasure to be able to inspire people from all over the country, and it was so wonderful to talk to many of them following the discussion along-side so many advocates for this movement.”
Vbites is a company delivering excellent plant-based meat alternatives, and has been making great strides for over a decade. Heather discusses how the plant-based change in the 90's had been much more difficult because there weren't any alternatives, but she managed to change that, and this is when V-bites was born.
Heather then went on to say:
“Vevolution is one of my favourite organisations in the UK right now, and for them to bring so many young and talented folk into one room was a real success. Their workshops didn’t disappoint either, and they were hosted by young and budding geniuses in this movement such as Bright Zine – who created “faces in veganism” a collaborative piece bringing everyone at the festival together in a fun and dynamic way.”
Heather was interviewed for the official program / zine created in collaboration with both Bright X Vevolution. The zine is jam-packed full of exciting articles, tips and stories by people from all walks of life.
In the article, Heather discusses her journey and hopes for the future of the vegan movement with the founder of Vevolution, Damien.
She discusses the shift in the media from the 1990’s until now, and goes on to talk about the:
“Evidence of improvement on health from scientists like Professor Colin Campbell who wrote the China Study and making VBites incredible meat, dairy and fish replacements to make the transition easier.”
This is a step in the right direction to changing mind-sets and implementing change.
Heather also talks about her dynamic sporting achievements and her drive towards becoming the record holder for the world’s fastest disabled speed skier.
“I like to challenge people’s perception of disability and show that being a vegan athlete is the healthiest, proving that at nearly 50 years old you can become a world record holder and ski at a speed of 166.84kph. Plus, I am an adrenaline junkie and love extreme sports.”
Check out a selection of photos from the event via their gallery here
Keep your eyes peeled on Vevolution’s social media for the latest updates about events!