Pedalling Music

Nelson’s annual beer fest this Saturday has come up with an interesting environmental concept.

It will be trying to use a bicycle-powered music stage for the acts that include Don McGlashan.

Volunteers from the Marchfest 2010 audience will be asked to pedal to contribute to the power supply – and can win a bike or a beer tab for their efforts.

It’s a fun project,” says Glenn Harvey of sponsors Solar Peak. It also demonstrates how easy it is to augment or replace grid power. We may use it to power the 500 watt mixing desk or some other piece of musical equipment.”

Those putting it together needed old bikes with at least three speeds, truck batteries and Fisher & Paykel Smart Drive washing machines, which are being configured to provide electricity.

Those putting it together have not done it before, so fingers crossed it works!

n case you wondered, Marchfest is in April with the end of the hop season – so that hop growers and hop pickers can actually attend the event that celebrates the completion of their harvest.