30 years after Fairtrade products first hit the shelves in the UK, this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight was an unforgettable success. Campaigners across the country united to Be the Change for fairer trade and spread awareness for the Fairtrade movement.
We saw over 600 local and online campaigner events, projects and initiatives occur, engaging and inspiring people to get involved throughout Fairtrade Fortnight. Below is just a small snapshot of the creative and exciting ways Fairtrade campaigners are working towards a fairer future for farmers and workers and pushing their local MPs to pledge for the future.
1. Getting MPs to Be the Change
This year Fairtrade Fortnight we focused on getting MPs to sign the Be the Change pledge and back fairer trade. Below are just a few of the creative ways campaigners got their MPs involved.
Brent Fairtrade Group representatives with local MP Georgia Gould
In Brent, West London, campaigners set up a stall at the Queens Park Festival and invited their MP Georgia Gould to join them. Wolverhampton Fairtrade Partnership convinced government Minister Pat McFadden to send a special video message to the city. Meanwhile in Chester and Neston, MP Samantha Dixon co-hosted a Fairtrade coffee morning with local campaigners.
But it’s not just MPs getting in on the Fairtrade action! The students at Dosbarth St Tathan Primary School are using new Fairtrade Schools persuasive writing resources to contact the Welsh Government. Meanwhile MSP Colin Smyth joined campaigners in Dumfries to hear from Malawian rice farmer Howard Msukwa about how Scottish politicians can take action to make trade fairer.
Julie Farrell, Chair of Fairtrade Wolverhampton, and local MP Pat McFadden
2. Family Fun Day at the Library
Felixstowe Fairtrade Community
Fairtrade Campaigners outside Felixstowe Library during Family Fun Day
The Family Fun Day at Felixstowe Library was a lively event filled with exciting games and competitions for families of all ages. Children and parents enjoyed a variety of engaging activities, fostering a sense of community among attendees.
A highlight was the visit from Fairtrade tea farmer Patrick Kaberia, who shared captivating stories about his work and the impact of Fairtrade on farmers and their communities. Guests also enjoyed an array of Fairtrade refreshments, including a popular chocolate fountain that satisfied sweet cravings while showcasing the benefits of choosing Fairtrade products.
3. Fairtrade Stall at County Fayre
Future Action Biggleswade (FAB)
Future Action Biggleswade (FAB) celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight with a stall at the annual Country Fayre at St. Andrew’s Church in Biggleswade. The stall featured the popular banana tower building competition, entertaining visitors of all ages while marking 30 years of Fairtrade in the UK and sharing its global impact.
This year, the stall emphasised the importance of securing water supplies, a central theme of the 2024 Country Fayre. Visitors learned how Fairtrade initiatives have improved access to clean water, positively affecting the lives of farmers and workers worldwide. The event effectively combined education and enjoyment, raising awareness of the need for ethical trade practices.
4. A Fairtrade Tea Party
All Saints RC Secondary, Glasgow
Students and their artwork at All Saints RC Secondary
During Fairtrade Fortnight, All Saints RC Secondary in Glasgow enthusiastically embraced Fairtrade with a variety of activities. Students created vibrant displays and posters, while Fairtrade was integrated into lessons, highlighting its global importance. The school community also baked treats using Fairtrade ingredients, adding a hands-on element.
Led by Mrs. Marden, the school has made Fairtrade part of its ethos, raising awareness about its role in supporting farmers and building stronger, more resilient communities. All Saints’ demonstrated how collective action can make a meaningful difference.
5. Fairtrade Trail for Children’s Art
Solihull Fairtrade Community
From Monday 19 August until Sunday 22 September, Fairtrade themed art from local children of Solihull and surrounds were displayed in well-known shop windows.
The colourful displays became a Fairtrade Trail through Solihull which children and families were encouraged to follow. Accompanied by a quiz to learn more about Fairtrade, for which the answers were hidden in the poster boarders.
The children’s hard work and creativity has helped to shine a light on the importance of buying Fairtrade and the positive impact Fairtrade has on workers, farmers and communities across the world.
6. A Very Fairtrade Breakfast
Bread of Life Fairtrade Centre, East Dulwich
The Fairtrade Breakfast at the Bread of Life Fairtrade Centre in East Dulwich on Saturday, 14 September, was a wonderful way to start the weekend. Attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast featuring a variety of Fairtrade ingredients, showcasing the benefits of ethical consumption.
Hosted by dedicated Fairtrade campaigners, the event brought the community together to celebrate Fairtrade values while sharing stories and learning about the positive impact on farmers and communities worldwide. The Fairtrade Breakfast not only offered a tasty meal but also raised awareness about the importance of supporting Fairtrade practices, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all.
7. Non-stop Fairtrade Celebrations
Ullapool Fairtrade Community
Ullapool Fairtrade Campaigners at the Garden Party
Throughout September, the Ullapool Fairtrade Group hosted a series of events to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, engaging the community in fun and educational activities. The festivities kicked off on 10 September with a pub quiz at the Argylle Pub, featuring Fairtrade-themed questions.
On 17 September, a Fairtrade Tea Dance at the Church of Scotland Hub brought attendees together for music, dancing, and refreshments. The celebrations culminated in a Garden Party on 21 September at the Ullapool Garden of Reflection, which included live music, Fairtrade treats, and a children’s treasure hunt.
Fairtrade themes were also included in geography lessons at Ullapool High School, helping students understand the global impact of ethical trade. A Fairtrade display at the Macphail Centre raised awareness of the importance of supporting Fairtrade initiatives.
8. Ethical Retailers Fashion Show
Glenorchy United Reformed Church, Exmouth
The catwalk and onlookers at Exmouth Ethical Retailers Fashion Show
Exmouth Fairtrade hosted an exciting Ethical Retailers Fashion Show at Glenorchy URC on Exeter Rd in Exmouth. This vibrant event featured sustainable fashion from ethical retailers Shopdeadgorgeous and 50 Degrees, showcasing a variety of stylish and eco-friendly clothing options.
Attendees had the opportunity to try on outfits and shop for Fairtrade crafts and food items, promoting ethical consumption within the community.
The evening was filled with live music, creating a lively atmosphere for guests to enjoy while sipping refreshments. The Fashion Show not only highlighted the importance of ethical fashion but also fostered a sense of community among those who value Fairtrade principles, making it a memorable event for all who attended.
9. Eco-Fest 2024
University of Dundee
Sally Romily, Dundee Fairtrade Forum, and Trudy Cunningham, University of Dundee, at University of Dundee Eco-Fest
As part of their ‘welcome week’ celebrations, University of Dundee made sure new students understood how central Fairtrade is to campus life by featuring Fairtrade prominently in their annual ‘Eco-Fest’.
Serving up a delicious free curry made with Fairtrade ingredients got students’ attention, and then after finishing their lunch hundreds visited the Fairtrade stalls to learn more about Fairtrade and how to campaign locally.
Thankyou
We would like to say a big thankyou to all our amazing and dedicated campaigners across the UK. Every individual contribution and activity taken during Fairtrade Fortnight contributes to our movement for fairer trade.