Birmingham, the leading Fairtrade City in the world

Members of FAB are holding and supporting events as diverse as a Tea Dance for 400 old-timers to young people forming a Youth forum with Shared Earth; from a Swing Band playing at a Cricket Club to underwear being paraded in the Cathedral!

The Fortnight kicks off with schoolchildren from across the City invited to Co-operative Stores to learn about Fairtrade.  Schools and other groups will also be hosting Kit on events throughout the fortnight.

On 2^nd March the main event; members of the public are invited to come to St Phillips Cathedral, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm for a Fairtrade Fashion Show entitled Blood, Sweat and Traffic. With models showing off People Tree and Revolver World Fairtrade clothes as well as speakers and Fairtrade refreshments, the evening promises to be informative and saucy!

More Fairtrade wine is being sampled on the 3^rd March at Birmingham University both students and staff are holding their fifth wine tasting event, highlighting Co-operative Fairtrade wines and the stories behind them.

Around 400 Members of Midlands Co-operative Society are preparing to strut their stuff on Friday 4 March 12.30 pm at the Tower Ballroom in Edgbaston, Birmingham for an afternoon of dancing and refreshments, in an effort to raise the profile of Fairtrade.

On the same Day Aston University is holding a series of Fairtrade events on their campus.

On Saturday 5^th March from 8.00 pm Gary Allcock “Allstars” are playing swing at Kings Heath Cricket Club, proceeds to the Fairtrade Charity LUCIA.

On Wednesday 9^th March FAB is visiting Birmingham City University’s Nursing and Midwifery Campus with a host of Fairtrade stalls offering allsorts of goodies, between 11.30  and 2.00 pm

On the 10^th the ethical store Shared Earth in New Street is inviting young people from across the City to a networking evening on Fairtrade.

Throughout the Fortnight Holy Trinity Catholic Media College will be exploring 'Why isn't all trade fair?' supported by a range of FAB members presenting, culminating in a fair dragon's den on Friday 18^th March at which we will discuss the ideas of young people and what we in Birmingham can do to support fair and ethical trade.

One of the final events is Birmingham University Fairtrade Fashion Show in their Great Hall. Starting at 6.30 pm it promises to be a spectacular finale organised by the students who have show such a passion they are holding events on almost everyday of Fairtrade Fortnight.

No other city or town is holding this many events, many of which we have not even named. To find out more contact John Boyle 07736 792518

john.boyle@midlandsco-op.com