This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight is 9th September to 22nd September and we are celebrating 30 years of the Fairtrade mark. That is 30 years of a fair price and working conditions for Fairtrade producers and 30 years of campaigning for a better way to trade.

There are events taking place across Yorkshire to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade.

Please find some of them below; perhaps there is one in a town near you.

Big Brew Fairtrade coffee morning at St James’ Church, Kirklands Lane, Baildon BD17 6HH

Saturday, 14th Sept, 10am – 12 noon, in aid of Transform Trade

Be The Change: Bradford Cathedral to hold third annual Big Brew in support of Transform Trade

The Big Brew 2024 will take place after the 10:30am service on Sunday 22nd September 2024

Bradford Cathedral will be holding its third annual Big Brew – in support of Transform Trade – on Sunday 22nd September at around 11:45am, following that morning’s 10:30am Choral Eucharist.

The Big Brew is a chance to gather friends and family together over a (fair trade!) cuppa and some homemade cakes and treats to raise money in support of trade and climate justice.

Following the service there will be slices of cake and biscuits made with Fairtrade ingredients, a quiz and Fairtrade game to enter and a short film to watch.

Those taking part will be invited to pay what they can, with all the money raised being donated to charity Transform Trade, who have begun to help create 100 community-owned shops called Sadaipati in Bangladesh – and the inspirational women running these shops are transforming their communities. They want to help build 100 of these transformative shops – and all the Big Brew events held across the country could help them build the next one.

Elaine de Villiers, organiser of the Big Brew and member of the Bradford Cathedral Eco Group, says:

“When you join in a Big Brew, you are taking a stand to help build a fairer and more just world – where everyone, no matter where they were born, gets a fair deal from trade. Our past donations are making a difference to the lives of farmers.”

The Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, says:

“Commitment to justice in all its forms can feel like a never-ending task… it is. Like the old story of the child on the beach throwing starfish back into the sea, this work can feel thankless and pointless… but it isn’t! Each time we intentionally think about the issue of trade justice and consider why, how and what we purchase we make a difference. The difference is made because it is through this consideration that habits are formed, and as habits form lives are changed. As we individually reshape our lives we begin to make a wider difference by inspiring and helping others to join us and so on, until those who suffer as they produce the things we enjoy will feel the change we have participated in. So come down and continue the work of transformation.”

For more information – and to book your free places – visit https://bradfordcathedral. churchsuite.com/events/ z92afpho or call the Bradford Cathedral office (Mon-Fri, 9am – 2:45pm) on 01274 77 77 20.

Fairtrade and Second Hand Fashion Show

Friday, 20th Sept, 7.15 for 7.30pm, St. John’s Church, Ben Rhydding, LS29 8PN

Free entry. Fairtrade wine, soft drinks and nibbles available.

Clothing ranges will include Namaste, From the Source, and Ilkley Oxfam.

Learn more about Fairtrade cotton initiatives.

Ilkley Fairtrade Group information stall at Climate Action Ilkley’s “Car Free Festival”

Sunday, 22nd Sept, 11am – 4pm, The Grove, Ilkley

For Fairtrade Fortnight and the celebration of 30 years of the Fairtrade mark, Fairtrade Pocklington is pleased to announce:

Chocolate Has a Name
Friday 20th September, 6.30pm

All Saints’ Church, Pocklington

A celebration of cocoa and its impact on culture in Ghana.

Performers from West Africa will share contemporary music, poetry and art inspired by cocoa and fair trade.

This performance is suitable for all age groups.

No charge but feel free to offer a donation.

Fairtrade gifts and produce stall on both weekends of the Saltaire Festival, 14-22nd Sept

Stall at Saltaire Methodist Church Art Exhibition, Titus Street, BD18 3HJ

“Would I lie to you?” A wine tasting evening with a difference! Decide who is giving the correct description of 6 fairly traded wines. Friday 20th September 7.30pm, The Venue, Manchester Rd, Stocksbridge S36 1DY. Tickets £7.50 available from Margaret 07415 277266. This is a ticket only event.