NB DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER, THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.
This Saturday (3 March) sees a pop-up market and exhibition at the New Room on Bristol’s Broadmead giving local people the chance to find out how Fairtrade can change the lives of coffee and cocoa farmers in the developing world, and to sample some tasty morsels of Fairtrade produce.
The event coincides with the half-way point in this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, an annual initiative which highlights the shocking fact that millions of farmers and workers who produce the food we eat still don’t earn enough to feed their own families.
Community engagement officer, Louise Wratten said: “Fairtrade Fortnight puts a spotlight on trade in a bid to bring this injustice to an end, and gives us a great chance to show our support for the farmers and workers in developing countries who grow our food.
“As part of our celebrations, the team at the New Room is honoured to welcome Urania who will be giving a presentation at 2pm about how Fairtrade has changed her life as a producer in Nicaragua.
“Throughout the day we’ll be showing short films that demonstrate the everyday ways we can support those who need it, and giving away free Fairtrade food samples for people to try.
“Visitors will also have the opportunity to ‘eat Fairtrade’ in our café, with a delicious Fairtrade ‘Taster Platter’ available for just £5, comprising Fairtrade cake mini-bites, fruit salad, and your choice of Fairtrade hot drink.”
This is a free event, with visitor donations welcome in support of Fairtrade. The café will open at 9.30am, with the chapel and pop-up shops open from 10.30am-4pm. Items for sale will include Fairtrade jewellery and accessories and – for those on a quest for the exotic – artisan stationery made of elephant dung.
The museum at the New Room will also be open as usual throughout the day on the first floor of the new visitor centre, enabling visitors to find out how the founding father of Methodism, John Wesley, was campaigning for equality as long ago as the 18th century.
For further information about the Fairtrade Foundation visit www.fairtrade.org.uk