Celebration to mark World Fair Trade Day

A major Fair Trade concert and ceilidh will be taking place this weekend to celebrate World Fair Trade Day 2019 and Scotland as a Fair Trade Nation.

Being held at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, this Saturday, 11 May, it will showcase a mix of local talent and international musicians; stalls selling Fair Trade crafts, artisan goods & snacks; a full fun ceilidh and messages on screen from World Fair Trade Organisations (WFTOs) from around the globe representing WTFO members.

This year, World Fair Trade Day, is focused on the innovative aspects of Fair Trade. It is also an inclusive worldwide festival of events celebrating Fair Trade as a tangible contribution to sustainable development, especially the economic empowerment of small producers, gender equality in workplaces and responsible production practice.

World Fair Trade Organisation CEO, Erinch Sahan joining this event from Amsterdam as a lead speaker said: ‘Scotland is a pioneer in Fair Trade, what we see now is a real vision for transforming business and trade. Our global community of social enterprises that practice Fair Trade is a partner for Scotland in showcasing the enterprises of the new economy.’

The World Fair Trade Gathering is being co-hosted by TV presenter Gail Porter who is also a long standing committed Fair Trade Ambassador and TV broadcaster, supermodel and fashion expert, Eunice Olumide MBE.
Eunice said: ‘It’s such an honour to be part of such a significant organisation and movement in my hometown of Edinburgh. I’m proud to lend my support for what is going up be a truly incredible event.’

Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 will play at the event

The line-up for the concert and ceilidh will include local, up and coming Leith samba band Pulse of the Place; lively Glasgow based Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 with alternative dance music and rocking ceilidh rhythms; inspiring Scottish folk musician Rachel Sermanni; Reel Time Ceilidh Band, a rapturous and foot stomping ceilidh band with a contemporary twist; rock & roll masters hot off the press from New York – Miracle Glass Company; Indie band Zuba, an outstanding multi-cultural band with a great dance beat; rousing and rhythmical Got Soul Choir; award winning Irish dance performance specialists Siamsoir and piping magic from World Fair Trade piper Lou Marshall and her exhilarating Celtic fusion band Cantara.

Band members from the Miracle Glass Company said: ‘We are honoured to have been invited to be a part of World Fair Trade Day, and to support the work of the World Fair Trade Organisation.’

Event organiser and director, Tania Pramschufer, Hand Up Events said: ‘Our events are about raising awareness and engaging mainstream audiences with fair trade, so to be organising such an awe- inspiring concert and ceilidh on World Fair Trade Day at The Usher Hall is a great honour and it is a pleasure to be working in partnership with The Usher Hall and with support from Edinburgh City Council to bring this celebration concert and ceilidh together. This event connecting with 400 WFTO member organisations across 70 countries.

‘This year’s World Fair Trade Day event will bring together inspiring speakers and incredibly talented musicians – a day of global unity and celebration. We hope this World Fair Trade Day celebration will have a lasting impact and encourage more people to support the Fair Trade movement going forward.’

Martin Rhodes, Director Scottish Fair Trade Forum, added: ‘The World Fair Trade Gathering promises to be a lively and innovative celebration of Scotland’s commitment to being a Fair Trade Nation.’

Tickets are on sale now at Usher Hall box office, £10 adults and over 8-16 £5, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 18+ Adult ticket £10, plus 10% booking fee. £1.50 transaction applies on all online and phone bookings.

For tickets and information www.usherhall.co.uk . The box office is open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm.