Fairtrade Fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight is here! (25th February–10th March). The popular annual event co-ordinated by the Fairtrade Foundation up and down the country aims to raise awareness of Fair Trade issues and to encourage people to do more to support Fair Trade.

Fair trade is an attempt to redress the balance of world trade which shortchanges small-holder farmers and other producers living overseas. It provides fairer pay and working conditions. By buying Fair Trade products each of us can contribute positively to change. As a Fairtrade City, Brighton & Hove is participating in Fairtrade Fortnight 2013 by running a series of different events.

An exhibition showcasing the work of Brighton & Hove High School and the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership about Fair Trade with a special focus on food will run throughout the Fortnight at the Jubilee Library, Brighton. Be inspired by the wonderful artwork and sculptural exhibits made by schoolchildren living in our city. Read in more detail about Fair Trade and global food issues. ‘Go Further for Fair Trade – the exhibition’ runs Monday 25th Feb – Saturday 9th March during library hours.

A screening of ‘Town of Runners’ will take place at Brighton & Hove High Senior School. This is a feature documentary about young people from the Ethiopian rural town of Bekoji, whose runners have won eight Olympic Gold medals, thirty-two World Championships and broken ten world records in the last twenty years. The film follows two girls as they strive to emulate their local heroes, making the journey from school track to national competition and from childhood to adulthood. The screening is on Tuesday 26th February at 6pm. For more info please contact Lizzie Lyons on l.lyons@bhhs.gdst.net Tickets are priced at £5 each. All profits from the screening of the film will go towards funding for coaches and supporting the outreach in Bekoji The film producer Dan Demissie will be present for Q’s & A’s and there will be a Fairtrade winetasting.

A Fair Trade market will be run at the University of Sussex, Falmer. This will comprise a variety of Fair Trade stalls, enabling people to see and buy Fair Trade goods. The market is on Tuesday 26th February between 11am & 4pm. Free – all welcome. For more info please contact Lydia Vagdama on ljv21@sussex.ac.uk

There are also several other events planned on campus:
• Mon 25th Film screening Falmer Bar University of Sussex, free ice cream hand out and movie screening of ‘Black Gold’
• Wed 27th Fair Trade Wine Tasting at Falmer Bar 7-9pm Various Fair Trade wines to try along with entertainment
• Thurs 28th Fair Trade Cocktail Night at Falmer Bar 6-late Get fruity with some juices, fruits, rum and cola in the back bar.

Thereʼs a one-off opportunity to hear about the difference that Fair Trade can make to the lives of people living overseas. Henry Matenda, sugar cane producer from Malawi, will be on hand for two sessions that will enlighten all at Brightonʼs Jubilee Library. This event is co-hosted by the The Co-operative’s South East Membership Team and the Fair Trade Steering Group: Brighton & Hove in Sussex. This event is on Saturday 2nd March at 3pm & 4pm. 3pm: Talk by Henry; 4pm: Questions & Answers with Henry. For further information on the sessions, please contact The Co-operative’s South East Membership Team on 0800 015 1147 or membership.southeast@co-operative.coop

On 10th March the Fair Trade focus moves to Hove. The Southern Co-operative is running an event in its shop to celebrate the ‘Go Further’ theme. Fairtrade ice cream van and smoothie bikes included! ‘Go Further…Go Fair’ is on Sunday 10th March from 11am.