Earth Hour - Give an hour for Earth on Saturday 28 March
This coming Saturday, 28 March, millions of people across the world will take part in Earth Hour, switching off non‑essential lights at 8.30pm to show support for our planet. Earth Hour 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the global movement, encouraging individuals, organisations, and communities to “give an hour for Earth” by taking positive action for nature and the climate.
The Council will be taking part by turning lights off at Eastgate Clock, Newgate, Chester Town Hall and other Council buildings across the borough.
What Is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour began in 2007 and has since grown into a worldwide moment of unity, with landmarks and homes going dark for 60 minutes to highlight the urgency of climate and nature loss. The turning off of lights is symbolic and the campaign also encourages people to spend an hour doing something meaningful for the environment—whether learning, relaxing in nature, or volunteering.
Ways to get involved
The Earth Hour website has lots of ideas of ways to get involved on the day, from getting creative to watching a nature documentary. Find out more - Give an Hour for Earth | Earth Hour
There are plenty of opportunities for residents to participate locally too, whether it is before, during, or after the hour itself.
1. Visit the Hoole Green Festival (Saturday, 28 March)
Taking place from 10am to 4.30pm at Hoole Community Centre (near Chester), the Hoole Green Festival brings together sustainable makers, green organisations, eco talks, entertainment, and a single‑use‑plastic‑free bar. It’s a perfect way to spend your Saturday ahead of Earth Hour and get inspired by local environmental action.
Visit Eco Communities' website to learn more
2. Join or support a local volunteering group
Our Climate Emergency Inspire hub has information about local organisations and community groups taking action to protect the environment and share their knowledge around addressing the climate crisis. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to be more involved in local environmental action.
Explore local opportunities on the Climate Emergency Inspire Hub
3. Take part in community litter picking
The Council supports local groups who regularly clean up streets and green spaces across the borough. Toolkits are available from the Council’s Your Streets team to use for light maintenance and community clean-ups to help individuals and groups who want to do their bit and get involved. Eco Communities also have an interactive map on their website where you can find Litter Pick Hubs, where you can borrow equipment to help clean up your community.
Visit the Council's website for more information on the Your Street Toolkits
4. Visit a local repair café
Reducing waste is a powerful action for the planet. The Council is supportive of local reuse initiatives, which play a key part in helping to deliver on the aims of our ten year waste strategy and our Climate Emergency Response Plan.
Repair cafés are one of the local community initiatives that are playing their part to create a circular economy, repairing items to keep them in use for longer, rather than discarding them. There are several repair cafes taking place regularly across the borough.
Find details about local repair cafés
5. Research how to retrofit your home to make it more energy efficient
Retrofitting your home can help to make your home warmer and more comfortable to live in. Take some time on Saturday to research what energy efficiency improvements you could make to your home. These measures could make your home warmer, reduce your carbon emissions by reducing the amount of energy you use and may even lower your energy bills.
Read the retrofitting guide on our Energy for Everyone hub
6. Enjoy a local greenspace
Earth Hour is also about reconnecting with nature. West Cheshire is home to a wide range of beautiful green spaces—parks, rivers, and woodlands—ideal to enjoy with family and friends, to head out for a twilight walk, stargazing session, or just to spend some time in, for quiet reflection, away from screens.
Find out about parks and greenspaces in the area
Lime trees at Marbury Country park7. Sign up to the Climate Emergency enewsletter
The Council’s monthly Climate Emergency newsletter provides lots of advice and guidance of activities you can do to help the planet and is a great way to keep up-to-date on the positive action already taking place across the borough.
Whether you take part at 8.30pm for an hour or take some time out during the weekend, Earth Hour provides the perfect opportunity to come together with others across the globe to pause and show support for the planet.
