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There are many types of events that occur throughout the world ranging from local food festivals to music festivals to the Olympic Games and back again. These events provide many benefits both economically and on a cultural level. However, there are also environmental impacts which need to be considered. This essay will aim to explore both the negative and positive impacts which accrue as a result of an event taking place. By using examples from a variety of different sized events, analysis of environmental impacts will be completed to evaluate what the level of understanding is and how different stakeholders are approaching this area. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes an environmental impact as ‘A change in effect on an environmental resource or value resulting from human activities' (www.epa.gov). These impacts can be analysed through various models such as Environmental Impact Assessments, Ecological Footprint Analysis and the Environmental Input- Output model.

Bowdin notes that the ‘Rapid growth of events in past decades has led to the formation of an event industry.' (Bowdin, 2006, 23.) But what is an event? An event can be classified as a ‘One time or infrequently occurring event of limited duration that provides the consumer with a leisure and social opportunity beyond everyday experience.' (Jago and Shaw, 1998, 28.) Events can be classified in a number of different ways such as their size, form or content (Cultural, Sports and business.) For the purpose of this essay events will be categorized by their size and scale. Jago and Shaw categorize events as ‘Local, major, hallmark and mega events' (Bowdin, 2006, 16.) Local or community events refer to those that are ‘Owned by the community, use volunteer services, employ public venues and are produced by local government agencies or NGOs (Janiskee, 1996, 404.) Major events refer to an event with significant visitor numbers and high levels of media coverage, usually in a sporting environment. For an event to be classified as a major event the UK Sport body requires 3 points: ‘A number of teams are represented, There is significant public interest and the event is of an international significance.' (UK Sport, 199a, 4.) Hallmark events can be categorized as a ‘Major one time or recurring events of limited duration enhancing awareness/ profitability of a tourism destination.' (Ritchie, 1984, 2.) Finally, there are mega events ‘A onetime major event that is generally of an international scale.' (Jago and Shaw, 1998, 29.) Getz adds to this classification by stating ‘Mega events yield extraordinary high levels of tourism, media, and prestige' (Getz, 2005, 18).

Ottery St Marys is small village in East Devon which hosts an annual tar barrel event which started off as a local or community event but has expanded in its size over recent years. Although the event is small, the increasing capacity is also increasing its environmental impacts on the local area (www.otterytarbarrels.co.uk). The main environmental impacts on an event this size are the amounts of litter left behind and physical damage to the ground where a bonfire and temporary fairground are located. These impacts are dealt with purely through volunteering of local residents in a swift cleanup operation. A Health and Safety report did however point out that ‘61% of attendees arrived by car' and would like to reduce this in the future through better public transport (Health and Safety Report, 2009, 76). This shows that event managers of this size are beginning to understand the environmental impacts on a local level by looking at indirect impact of events such as carbon emissions on people's journeys to and from the event. Although there is some understanding of these impacts, often events of this size do not have the funds to implement any schemes to reduce these problems on a large scale.

Glastonbury Music Festival recognises that running the event at Worthy Farm has a direct impact (both positive and negative) on the environment. With over 180,000 visitors in one weekend it admits ‘significant levels of litter will be generated' (www.Glastonbury.com). The fact this is a major event, it is able to invest in a thorough Environmental impact assessment to analyse any environmental implications the event may cause. It should be noted that the size of the festival means it is also under greater social pressure to limit any negative impacts this event creates. Bowdin notes ‘Industry initiatives are being developed due to an increase in concern for sustainability and consideration of the environmental impacts of events' (Bowdin, 2006, 46). Glastonbury Festival has a clear cut environmental policy which is committed to reducing different types of environmental impacts. These include reducing landfill through recycling: ‘In 2008 48% (788 tonnes) of all waste