A new environmentally-friendly farm complex will be the star attraction in Aldenham next weekend for a celebration of the Hindu festival of Janmashtami.

More than 65,000 people are expected to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hilfield Avenue to celebrate the birth of the Hindu god Lord Krishna.

The farm is constructed from oak timber which will last more than 100 years and the farm’s energy source will be provided by solar power.

Farm manager Stuart Coyle said: “I have noticed people are beginning to care more about what they consume and how it got to their plate.

“The belief in the old adage ‘you are what you eat’ shows the change in people’s awareness that they are beginning to care more how food is produced than the packaging and hype.

“At this new farm complex people will learn about new ethical techniques of farming which will sustain it into the next century.”

This year’s theme for the Krishna festival is the relationship that exists between man, cows and the environment.

The festival is open to anyone, regardless of religion, and has exhibitions, music, drama and free vegetarian food.

This year’s highlights include a flowered walkway through the spiritual gardens and woodlands around the lake in the manor.

Temple board chairman Pranabandhu Das, said: “The festival is the show piece of our devotion to Lord Krishna and that of 1500 volunteers who have helped to make this festival such a success every year.

“With creativity and devotion, our volunteers have strived to produce yet again something different and spectacular. I am sure all our pilgrims and visitors who come will be uplifted spiritually. “ The event will be held from Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16 from 12pm until midnight each day.

The organisers are advising people to come at off peak times as there will be traffic from 5-9pm on Friday, August 14, and 2-6pm on Sunday, August 16.

For more information about the festival log on to the temple website at www.krishnatemple.com