Bristol celebrates 10 Years as a Fairtrade City this Fairtrade Fortnight

Bristol is one of only 5 cities in the world that have held this status continually for more than 10 years.

To celebrate, Bristol Fairtrade are holding a Celebration event at Goldney Hall Orangery, hosted by Mayor George Ferguson, to reflect on the past 10 years, celebrate volunteers at the heart of Bristol Fairtrade’s success, and look to future goals as part of Bristol’s Green Capital impact and legacy beyond 2015.

George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol, said: “I’m proud to live in a city that places such a high value on ethical and sustainable living.  Fairtrade protects the environment and it helps some of the world’s poorest farmers adapt to climate change, but it’s about much more than that.  Fairtrade is about alleviating world poverty and achieving global equality.”

Bristol Fairtrade and Bristol Link with Nicaragua are delighted to welcome Angela Jarquin, Fairtrade coffee and cocoa producer from the Soppexcca Co-operative in Nicaragua to Bristol for the Fortnight. Angela will speaking in schools and  events. She has recently diversified into growing cocoa after losing many coffee plants to disease as a result of climate change – a great example to help local people understand the immediate impacts of climate change on farmers in developing countries, and how Fairtrade is helping them to adapt.

The South West Fairtrade Business Awards Ceremony on Friday 6th March at The Watershed  will be a real Fortnight highlight. The  Awards, designed by Bristol Blue Glass, will be presented by Bristol heroes, Aardman Animations and Fairtrade pioneers, Divine Chocolate. They will share their business collaboration on the Shaun the Sheep Fairtrade Easter Egg. Expect Fairtrade chocolate, sheep ears and more!

The Fairtrade Business Awards are part of the Bristol Green Capital 2015 programme and link with the Go Green Business Scheme: http://www.businesswest.co.uk/events/2015/03/06/fairtrade-business-awards-ceremony-2015

The Fortnight will be rounded off by a Celebration for International Women’s Day on Saturday 7th March In Bedminster, with a night of talks, music and great women! Angela Jarquín will be joined by local women's football team, Easton Cowgirls, presenting a short film on their recent visit to Palestine.
There will also be performances from some of Bristol finest young singer-songwriters from the Gathering Voices pool of talent and stalls from Fairtrade producers Zaytoun and Palestinian women's co-operatives. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-2015-celebration-tickets-15134782542

Website: www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FTBristol
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swfairtrade