St George's Celebrates World Environment Day with Beatles Tribute at British Ambassador's Residence

St George's International School Luxembourg has reported that some of its students marked World Environment Day on Wednesday 5 June 2024 with a Beatles musical tribute at the British Ambassador's Residence.

The event, which was registered with the United Nations Environment Programme, marked three years since St George's Eco-Agents met the British Ambassador to Luxembourg, Fleur Thomas, and built an insect hotel in her garden.

St George's Sustainability Coordinator Anne-Marie McHugh noted how the students played Beatles music in the ambassador's garden in a quirky nod to supporting the environment. "Facing a future challenged by global issues, it is important to bring joy, music and energy to our community. This led to a natural fusion between St George's music and sustainability teams to create the 'Beatles in the Garden' event, to promote hope for our planet and future on World Environment Day. In the words of David Attenborough: 'Our motivation should be hope not fear'," Ms McHugh said.

Co-organiser of the event, St George's Music Coordinator Dr Fearghal O'Connor added: "It is important for our musicians to play outside in a natural space, while also giving voice to young ideas and celebrating with impactful partners."

While the young musicians performed, St George's Eco-Agents used the event to promote their sustainability projects, including checking the number of species in Ambassador Thomas' garden using the iNaturalist app, analysing microplastics under the microscope, harnessing renewable energy through an upcycled bicycle and promoting edible insects.

Special guest Kemo Fatty, founder of NGO Green Up Gambia, also spoke at the event about his organisation's collaboration with St George's to plant trees in the Gambia to help offset the school's emissions.

British Ambassador Fleur Thomas said: "We have collaborated with St George's over the years and I am glad that we were able to do so again on World Environment Day. It was a joy to see the innovation by the students, fusing music and sustainability, as well as hearing about the work of St George's and Green Up Gambia."