This year's Fairtrade Fortnight was a whirlwind of inspiring events, heartfelt conversations, and community action. Across the country, Fairtrade groups, schools, campaigners and local leaders came together to shine a spotlight on the people behind our tea.  

This year’s campaign saw an incredible range of events across the UK, each one showcasing the commitment of Fairtrade supporters. It was a fortnight full of inspiration and creativity. Read on for just a glimpse into the many events that made Fairtrade Fortnight 2025 such a success.

High Tea Talk with Nancy

One of the highlights of the fortnight was our online High Tea Talk with Fairtrade Foundation CEO Eleanor Harrison and Nancy Githaiga, a tea farmer and factory manager from Kenya. Nancy has worked with Fairtrade for over 20 years, and her story - of leadership, resilience and community – was a moving insight into building a sustainable future.

Over a Fairtrade brew, Eleanor and Nancy discussed the realities of tea farming, the impact of climate change, and how Fairtrade is helping to drive change. Attendees had the chance to ask questions and hear directly from someone who grows the tea we drink every day. It was a powerful reminder that behind every cup is a person, a family, a community.

Fairtrade Schools heard from Nancy too

Nancy Githaiga also joined a special School Assembly, streamed live into classrooms, students had the chance to hear from Nancy about her personal journey managing and working at a tea factory, and leading community projects that support thousands of people. She spoke about the challenges tea farmers face due to climate change, and the impact Fairtrade has had in supporting her community to adapt and thrive. Her story brought global trade justice to life.

Students listened intently, asked thoughtful questions, and reflected on how their everyday choices, like picking up a box of Fairtrade tea, can make a real difference.

LOCAL EVENTS THAT MADE A BIG IMPACT

Fairtrade groups across the UK ran brilliant events to spread the Brew It Fair message:

Chesham: Big Breakfast, Big Impact

In Chesham, campaigners hosted a Fairtrade Big Breakfast on Saturday 4th October. The event featured delicious Fairtrade food and drinks, with posters and flyers encouraging attendees to sign the Brew It Fair petition. MP Sarah Green attended and showed her support, helping to raise awareness and gather signatures for the campaign. It was a warm, welcoming event that brought the community together around a shared cause. 

Hull: Lighting Up for Fairtrade

Hull lit up buildings in green and blue throughout the week - a striking show of solidarity with Fairtrade Fortnight.  

Sutton: A Tea Party with Purpose

Sutton’s Fairtrade Tea Party, hosted by the Mayor, brought together local leaders, businesses, and community groups for an afternoon of delicious Fairtrade cakes and drinks. Sarah Giles from the Fairtrade Foundation spoke about the Brew It Fair campaign, while Liz Udall shared updates from the Sutton Fairtrade Community Group.

The event was a celebration of local leadership and grassroots activism, with a strong message: keep buying Fairtrade, keep spreading the word, and keep pushing for change.

Clayton Gospel Hall: Harvest and Fairtrade

Clayton Gospel Hall combined their Harvest Celebration with a Fairtrade Tea Party, bringing together faith and fairness in one joyful event.  

Attendees enjoyed Fairtrade refreshments and reflected on the importance of ethical sourcing and community support.

Gosport’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: A Community Celebration

Gosport Fairtrade Action hosted a lively Mad Hatter’s Family Tea Party at “The Youthy” community centre. With over 150 attendees, the event featured Fairtrade cakes, teas, coffees, hot chocolate, and a fancy dress competition for both children and adults.

Mayor Kirsten Bradley and Dame Caroline Dinenage MP were guests of honour, staying to chat with residents and show their support. Volunteers from Level Up Gosport helped run the event, and local businesses donated Fairtrade products for raffles and prizes — from wine and chocolate to flowers and costume hampers.

The creativity and community spirit were incredible, and the event left a lasting impression on everyone who attended. 

Neston: Market Moments and a Milestone

Neston Town Market celebrated with a Fairtrade display and petition and presented a certificate to Sainsbury’s for switching their tea range to Fairtrade.

At the Friday Welcome Café in Neston Methodist Church, the Neston Fairtrade Town Group set up a display and petition to support Brew It Fair. A highlight was the presentation of a Fairtrade Certificate to Sainsbury’s, recognising their switch to Fairtrade teas including Red and Gold Label and Earl Grey.

The certificate was presented by Gaynor to store manager Stacey Skerritt, with local councillors and community leaders in attendance. Gaynor reminded everyone that: 

“Millions of farmers and workers in developing countries work hard to grow the food we eat. Yet many don’t earn enough to know where their next meal is coming from.”

St Aiden’s CoE: Worship with a Purpose

At St Aiden’s Church of England School, Fairtrade Fortnight was the focus of Collective Worship. Staff guided students through discussions on what Fairtrade means, why it matters, and how they can get involved. It was a thoughtful and reflective way to connect values of justice and compassion with everyday choices.

Christ the King Sixth Form: Creativity meets Campaigning

Students at Christ the King Sixth Form joined the Brew It Fair campaign with a creative twist - designing a powerful community tablecloth to raise awareness for Fairtrade tea and global trade justice. The project showed how small actions, paired with creativity and collaboration, can have a big impact.

Uttoxeter’s Fairtrade Coffee Morning: Community, Commitment and Charities

The Annual Mayor’s Fairtrade Coffee Morning in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, hosted by the Mayor, welcomed local residents, volunteers, and special guests including the town’s current MP and former MP Janet Dean, a long-standing member of the Uttoxeter Fairtrade Group.

Attendees enjoyed Fairtrade teas, coffees, and homemade cakes, while learning more about the importance of ethical sourcing and global trade justice. The event was a testament to the dedication of local volunteers, who braved the rainy weather to make it a success.  

Keep the Momentum Brewing

Fairtrade Fortnight may be over, but the campaign continues. Every time you choose Fairtrade - whether it’s tea, coffee, chocolate or bananas - you’re helping build a fairer world.

If you haven’t already, sign the Brew It Fair petition and encourage others to do the same. Let’s keep the conversation going, keep the pressure on, and Brew It Fair.