Roll up, roll up!

Members of the public can enjoy a fairground with a difference at the launch of Fairtrade Fortnight 2008. The two-week annual campaign (25 Feb – 9 March) celebrating products carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark kicks off with an action-packed event on London’s South Bank on Sunday 24th February 2008 (11am – 4pm).

A Fairtrade tea cup ride, a towering Helter Skelter, a Fairtrade coconut shy, candyfloss made with Fairtrade sugar and a Fairtrade fortune teller are just some of the games and activities that will be bringing all the fun of the fair to the South Bank. Organised by the Fairtrade Foundation and backed by organisations, charities and businesses that support or sell Fairtrade products, the day will give visitors the opportunity to sample some of the 3,000 Fairtrade items now certified and to learn more about Trade Justice. A series of talks by Fairtrade producers from countries around the world will give visitors a chance to meet the farmers and workers behind the products, and learn first-hand the difference that Fairtrade is making to their communities.

Fairtrade Foundation Executive Director Harriet Lamb said: “We hope that people roll up to join in the fairground fun, and learn about the serious message behind Fairtrade as well.

“Millions of farmers and workers are walking the delicate tightrope of international trade. When market prices wobble they risk falling into devastating poverty. Fairtrade offers them stability, so they have the confidence to look ahead and move towards a better future.”