PEAR FEST ‘24

Adam Alexander is a consummate story-teller thanks to forty years as a successful and award-winning film and television producer. His films have included documentaries about little-known cultures, (A Year in Tibet), popular food series, (Return to Tuscany, The Urban Chef) and gardening programmes, (A Year at Kew, A Garden for Eden). He has won awards for culturally important ethnographic series including, Hughesovka, Eutopia, Unholy Land and Russian Wonderland. He has appeared on CNN’s Going Green, BBC’s Gardeners’ World and The Great British Food Revival and numerous radio stations around the world talking about his work saving and sharing rare, endangered and delicious vegetables. He has written for National Geographic Magazine, The Organic Way, The Sustainable Food Trust, The Cottage Garden Society.

His latest project is to encourage people to reconnect with their local food culture by reviving local varieties held by the HSL and also heirlooms he has discovered in the UK. These are being grown by market gardeners and re-introduced to communities through farmers markets, local shops and veg-box schemes. Local growers are also being provided with seed to grow out and bulk up supply for commercial use.

He is in demand as a consultant and advisor to private gardens and institutions wanting to showcase British heritage crops. His book The Adventures of a Seed Detective was published in 2022 and his new book, The Accidental Plant Breeder will be published in March 2025

We are proud to introduce Roger Morgan-Grenville, a distinguished new addition to the Pear Fest ’24 line-up. Roger is a prolific writer, eloquent speaker, and dedicated campaigner on issues pertaining to nature and biodiversity, particularly within the United Kingdom. His work is driven by an acute awareness of the stark biodiversity loss that has occurred within our lifetimes, with the sobering statistic that we have effectively lost half of what we once had.

Roger approaches his mission with a unique blend of hope and realism, intertwining science with personal anecdotes to craft narratives that resonate with humanity's role in both the degradation and potential restoration of nature. He is a staunch advocate for the Eurasian Curlew, working tirelessly to restore Britain’s largest wader to a robust population. Moreover, he campaigns fervently to re-establish Natural History as a core element of education for all children, ensuring that knowledge and respect for the natural world is not a privilege, but a right.

Before dedicating himself to the conservation of nature, Roger served with distinction in the Royal Green Jackets for nine years, with deployments across five continents. His adventurous spirit led him to lead the first successful expedition retracing Shackleton’s remarkable journey across South Georgia, showcasing his leadership and tenacity.

Born amidst the rich cultural tapestries of the UK and Iran, and enriched by his experiences in the southwestern USA, Souren Ala returned to the UK in 1998 equipped with a diverse background. After earning an advanced degree in Geology, Souren embarked on a successful 15-year career in hydrocarbon exploration and contaminated land investigation/remediation, before a profound shift led him to his true passion—horticulture.

A self-taught horticulturist, Souren’s professional journey in garden design began at the millennium's turn following the completion of a Level II RHS certificate. Over the past 23 years, his dedication to garden design, creation, planting, and maintenance has transformed numerous landscapes, each infused with sustainable and innovative practices.

Since 2014, Souren has been a vibrant voice in "The Hardy Plant," the prestigious journal of the Hardy Plant Society, and he took the helm as editor in 2019. He has a deep-seated passion for bulbs and wildflower meadows, the latter being the focus of his upcoming talk. A recognised authority in this field, Souren will share his extensive knowledge and practical tips on creating thriving wildflower meadows, demonstrating how they can enhance biodiversity and beauty in any space.

Join us at our conference to gain invaluable insights from Souren on how to design and nurture wildflower meadows, drawing from his vast expertise and innovative approach to gardening.

Monique Parker is a qualified nutritionist and author of the book ‘Conversations on the Lost Connection with Nature’. She is passionate about nature in all its forms, especially the effects it has on our life, health, and well-being.

Having experienced the healing qualities of nature herself and having witnessed it in her clients and many other people, she always wanted to share the message about the special relationship we all have, consciously or unconsciously, with nature, the benefits for our health and well-being, and the necessity to restore this lost connection to save our planet and our future.

Monique has a strong interest in food, not just the growing, cooking and eating of it, but also the issues of our broken food system, and of course the link between food and health, which also features in her book.

She will be talking about the how and why of the book, her relationship with nature, and about the inspiring people who contributed to her book.

Our CEO will be talking about the journey he is on to use agroecological methods on the land at our HQ in Worcestershire to improve the soil and biodiversity and how this ties in with improving the health of our citizens and cutting the burden of chronic disease.

He will show how the technology that Black Pear pioneers can aid in social prescribing of lifestyle interventions to make this available to patients at scale alongside work he is doing as a trustee of the PHC.

Dr. Jenny Goodman, a seasoned ecological doctor, will also grace our festival with her expertise. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Goodman is a strong proponent of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that diet, reduced toxin exposure, and lifestyle adjustments are critical in treating chronic conditions and improving overall well-being. Dr. Goodman will not only share her insights into ecological medicine but will also give us a preview of her upcoming book, which promises to be a significant contribution to the field.

Prepare to be inspired by these extraordinary individuals who are not just experts in their fields but also passionate about sharing their knowledge to make a difference in the world. Their sessions are designed to be a transformative experience for anyone interested in the intersection of health, diet, and sustainable living.

Giancarlo and Kate Caldesi had a string of successful Italian restaurants and cookery schools across London but their life was changed when Giancarlo was diagnosed with diabetes. Suddenly the energetic Italian chef was overweight and depressed with excruciating pain. But when a nutritionist friend suggested he do the unthinkable and drop the pizza, pasta and bread in favour of a low carb diet his condition was transformed. Now the couple have co-authored a low carb cookbook to combat diabetes and created gluten free pasta recipes as well as finding alternatives to pastry, bread and pizza.

You can read about their healthy recipes at https://www.thegoodkitchentable.com/. They will be doing a demonstration of how to prepare some of these as well as helping to provide the food at Pear Fest so you can sample first-hand how healthy food can also be delicious

Chris is a designer and engineer who is fascinated by how we can live in more sustainable and regenerative ways. After studying engineering at the University of Cambridge, Chris started his career at Jaguar Land Rover, where he helped to develop their first electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-Pace. He then transitioned to the footwear and apparel industry, developing customizable and recyclable shoes, aiming to reduce and improve the staggering annual production of approximately 20 billion pairs of shoes.

Realizing that incremental improvements to plastics and metals would never be sufficient to meet climate targets, Chris shifted his focus towards working with living systems, embracing the philosophy that nature does it better. This pivot led him to complete a Master's in Biodesign at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts, London, where he explored the potential of living materials. As part of his degree, Chris had the unique opportunity to work and teach in French Polynesia, learning about the region’s profound relationship with nature and how it could inform sustainable practices worldwide.

Chris is now poised to apply this knowledge in launching a sports nutrition business aimed at resolving the paradox of people engaging in sports for health benefits while consuming foods more suited to astronauts. This venture reflects his commitment to integrating sustainable, nature-inspired solutions into everyday life.

Experience the pure magic of acoustic Gypsy Jazz with the Remi Harris Trio. Led by the exceptional Remi Harris on acoustic guitar, the trio is dedicated to delivering an authentic Gypsy Jazz performance on this special occasion. Their set will focus exclusively on this charming style, infused with the spirit of Django Reinhardt's pioneering music and other jazz classics. Known for their dynamic and heartfelt performances, the trio has dazzled audiences worldwide, including appearances at prestigious venues and festivals such as Buckingham Palace and the Montreal Jazz Festival.

His latest project is to encourage people to reconnect with their local food culture by reviving local varieties held by the HSL and also heirlooms he has discovered in the UK. These are being grown by market gardeners and re-introduced to communities through farmers markets, local shops and veg-box schemes. Local growers are also being provided with seed to grow out and bulk up supply for commercial use.

He is in demand as a consultant and advisor to private gardens and institutions wanting to showcase British heritage crops. His book The Adventures of a Seed Detective was published in 2022 and his new book, The Accidental Plant Breeder will be published in March 2025

Enhancing the night’s allure, a celebrated trumpeter from London, Magnus, will join the trio for a selection of pieces. As the leader of the Weatherbirds and one of London's most sought-after freelance jazz cornet and trumpeters, Magnus has an impressive track record. He has performed with notable musicians such as Ewan Bleach, Brandyn Shaw, and Alex Mendham and his Orchestra. His vibrant and expressive trumpet sounds will add a special dimension to the mix, perfectly complementing the acoustic setting of the evening.

Tina Oldham, a gifted jazz singer from Berlin, will grace the stage with her soulful vocals and compelling storytelling. Tina brings a blend of jazz tradition and contemporary influences to her performances, captivating audiences with her deep musicality and innovative style.

The evening will be complemented by a delectable two-course meal prepared by renowned chefs Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi. Their culinary expertise will provide the perfect accompaniment to an evening filled with exceptional music and ambiance.

Start your Saturday at Pear Fest with a powerful performance from Remi Harris and his band, as they bring back their acclaimed Blues set from last year. This dynamic group features the soul-stirring vocals of Dave Small, the robust basslines of Tom Moore, and the energetic rhythms of drummer Shane Dixon.

Paying homage to the legends, their performance will cover a range of iconic sounds—from the evocative melodies of Peter Green to the heavy, guitar-laden riffs of rock giants like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin. This set promises to be a soulful tribute to the greats, crafted with virtuosity and passion.

Prepare to be captivated by the blend of intense blues and rock that will set the tone for a day filled with musical brilliance. The band's chemistry and skill ensure a performance that resonates with fans of classic rock and blues alike, making it a perfect kickoff to a day of vibrant festival entertainment.

As the musical journey continues on Saturday, Pear Fest is thrilled to welcome back Hattie Briggs, whose extraordinary voice and evocative songwriting left an indelible mark last year.

Discovered while busking at Paddington Station by none other than Les Mis star Alfie Boe, Hattie Briggs' talent quickly catapulted her onto larger stages. Within six months, she was opening for the renowned tenor on his UK tour, culminating in a standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall. With musical influences like Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell, and Goldfrapp, Hattie weaves together elements of pop, folk, and electronic music into her own distinctive sound. Her tracks have resonated on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, and BBC 6 Music, capturing the hearts of audiences nationwide.

Special Pear Fest Commission
Last year, Hattie was commissioned to create a song specifically for Pear Fest. The result was ‘Wild: Learn off the Land,’ a powerful composition that embodies the festival’s themes of living in harmony with nature and fostering mindfulness. Her performance of this song was a highlight of the festival, casting a spell over the audience with its profound message and stirring melody.

Anticipated Performance
Join Hattie and her bandmates, Jas and John, as they prepare to enchant the festival crowd once again. Expect a set filled with beloved tracks, new material, and the unforgettable ‘Wild: Learn off the Land.’ Hattie’s heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies are set to make this another memorable performance at Pear Fest.

That 80s Thing brings to life the quintessential sound of the 1980s with their electrifying performance. Featuring powerful vocals, soaring guitars, funky bass lines, and that quintessential ‘80s drum sound, they capture the essence of an era that revolutionized the music scene. For eight years, this band has been lighting up stages across the UK, gaining a reputation for their energetic shows that are as much a visual feast as they are a musical journey.

Dance the Night Away
As the final act of Pear Fest, That 80s Thing promises to deliver a performance that will have everyone dancing like it’s still the '80s. Their set is a celebration of all things ‘80s, from pop anthems to rock classics, ensuring that every festival-goer can sing along and dance to the hits they know and love.

End the Festival on a High Note
Join us for the festival finale with That 80s Thing and end Pear Fest on a high note. Whether you lived through the ‘80s or simply appreciate the timeless appeal of its music, this band will provide the perfect soundtrack to conclude an unforgettable day of celebration.