MORE than a thousand environmental activists are due to set up camp at an occupied fracking site in Blackpool today for a week of workshops, music — and ’80s disco yoga.

This year’s Reclaim the Power festival aims to support Lancashire mums and nans who are holding the field near the west coast, which British energy firm Cuadrilla has bought for rig drilling.

During the seven-day camp revellers will be debating the ins and outs of climate change with researcher and blogger Danny Chivers, training on legal observance and learning how to build a compost loo — perfect for lengthy demonstrations. 

Camp spokeswoman Tina Rothery said that they had tried to stop Cuadrilla’s plans through legal means for three years, challenging planning permissions and holding public meetings.

But with plans going ahead immediate action became necessary and they occupied the field. 

“We are literally fighting for the survival of the next generation,” Ms Rothery said, “so we set up a camp and asked Reclaim the Power to come lend us their support, teach us what we need to know about direct action, so we can know how to stop this industry.”

Reclaim the Power, sponsored by grass roots organisations like UK Uncut, Disabled People Against the Cuts and Fuel Poverty Action, were happy to host their event at the scenic location.

“We need a powerful national movement to stop fracking and all new fossil fuels in the UK,” said the event’s spokeswoman Emily McGregor.

Ms McGregor said the organisation was supporting “over 120 communities in this country already saying No to fracking.”

As part of the programme, activists will be holding a demonstration in the local area on Sunday followed by an anti-fracking forum where several activist groups will come together to share their experience and attempt to co-ordinate action. 

Direct action at a secret location is expected to take place the following Monday. 

Standing next to her nine-year-old granddaughter, Ms Rothery said none of “this is not something the mums and grandmothers of Lancashire do lightly.

“A lot of us is trying to hold our jobs down, our caring responsibilities — it may look lovely sitting in a sunny field but this is about the quality of air and water that I want to leave behind for my granddaughter.”