Supporters don banana costumes to celebrate 20 years of Fairtrade in Lancaster

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 09:37

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Cat Smith, Lancaster MP, with supporters of Fairtrade at the 20th anniversary celebrations on Saturday

The Lancaster MP - and a bunch of human bananas! - have celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Lancaster District's Fairtrade movement.

Supporters of Fairtrade in the Lancaster and Morecambe District donned banana costumes at a celebratory event held at Lancaster Town Hall.

The event was attended by Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster, Councillor Roger Dennison, mayor of Lancaster, children from Torrisholme Primary School, the Lune Valley Rainbows and city councillors who have been involved in supporting Fairtrade in the area.

Fairtrade is about better prices, safe working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.

Lancaster was one of the 10 ‘Twinned Cities’ chosen to declare its Fairtrade Status on March 5 2004.

Lancaster, Morecambe & District Fair Trade Group promotes Fairtrade by visiting retail outlets and businesses, attending community events and organising events during Fairtrade Fortnight, which takes place in September.

To mark the 20th anniversary, Ms Smith tabled an Early Day Motion to Parliament.

This congratulated Lancaster, Morecambe & District Fair Trade Group and thanked them for "their dedication and ambition in promoting fairtrade across our community as one of the most effective ways of combatting poverty across the globe". It also recognised "their achievements over the last 20 years, bringing communities together through regular Fairtrade events, notably Fairtrade Fortnight, and raising awareness surrounding the injustices that exist in international trading and promoting ethical trading standards locally".

It also paid tribute to "the amazing volunteers and organisers" and praised Lancaster, Morecambe & District Fair Trade Group for "20 years of hard work and commitment", wishing them "continued success and longevity".

Many people worldwide dress in banana costumes to promote the Fairtrade movement. Here is Councillor Abi Mills, Fairtrade representative on Lancaster City Council, with council deputy leader Councillor Caroline Jackson, at the event on Saturday.