Fairtrade Fortnight will be celebrated by Cheshire West and Chester Council and its partners from Monday, September 9 to Sunday, September 22, 2024.

This year is 30 years since Fairtrade products hit the shelves in the UK, and this year's theme is urging everyone to Be the Change by choosing Fairtrade products and speaking up for fairer trade.

For the first time, Fairtrade Fortnight is being held in September.

During these two weeks, supporters will celebrate the significant impact of 30 years of Fairtrade in the UK.

Now, around about 5000 Fairtrade products can be found on the shelves of major retailers in the UK and many brands now use Fairtrade certified ingredients.

This year's theme emphasises the collective impact of individual shopping choices in bringing about change.

It aims to highlight how buying Fairtrade supports farmers and agricultural workers overseas in creating better futures.

But while significant progress has been made, the movement stresses that even more is urgently needed.

Councillor Paul Donovan, cabinet member for workforce, equality and democracy, shared his insights on the importance of Fairtrade.

He said: "Each time you choose Fairtrade when you shop, you are acting in solidarity with farmers who grow your food.

"Fairtrade means producers receive a fairer price can afford to feed their families, send their children to school, and cover their farming costs."

"We can all Be The Change by choosing to buy more Fairtrade products.

"Fairtrade is helping to protect some of the UK’s most loved food and drinks products – including coffee, tea and cocoa – and the farmers that grow them, which are at risk from the impacts of unfair trade in the face of climate change."

Recently the council have achieved accreditation as a Fairtrade Community, confirming the council's commitment over the next coming years to be a strategic partner within the borough.

Mr Donovan added: "Now the new school year has begun, we will be working to share information with schools in the borough to help get the message to children and young people so they can Be the Change and become champions for Fairtrade."

Throughout Fairtrade Fortnight, various events, such as a Craft Fair and a Fairtrade Fashion Show, will be held to promote the movement.

The craft fair will be held at Wesley Church Centre, Chester on Thursday, September 12.

As for the fashion show, it will be held at Neston URC on Friday, September 20, 7.30pm and you can get tickets from Derrie Lizi on 07962 056581.

The only dedicated Fairtrade shop in Chester, Chester Fairtrading, will offer special promotions during the two weeks.

Also, an online event, Be the Change Global Get Together and Be the Change School Assemblies, has been arranged for global campaigners and school children.

T20244's Fairtrade Fortnight is about encouraging people to take active steps towards fairer trade.