Warrington has been a Fairtrade borough for 20 years, and Fairtrade Fortnight runs until 4 October. The 2019 petition record, and how to get involved.

Warrington is marking 20 years as a Fairtrade borough. The anniversary falls during Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until Sunday 4 October.

Warrington Borough Council announced the milestone on 24 September. The Mayor, Cllr Sagheer Zaman, marked it by cutting a cake with members of the local Fairtrade team, pictured above.

What two decades of Fairtrade status has involved

The status is not permanent. The council says Warrington has renewed it “year after year”. Much of the work behind it has come from volunteers in the Warrington Fairtrade Steering Group.

According to the council, the borough’s Fairtrade movement has organised hundreds of local events over the 20 years, including:

  • Fairtrade Fortnight campaigns
  • Big Brew fundraising events
  • activities in schools
  • promotions on the market
  • public awareness campaigns

The group brings together residents, schools, businesses, faith groups and community organisations.

The 2019 petition record

One result stands out. In 2019 the Fairtrade Foundation ran a national petition calling for living incomes for cocoa farmers. It gathered 50,000 signatures across the UK.

Warrington alone provided almost 1,000 of them. The council says that was the highest number collected by any place in the country.

What they said

Cllr Zaman said: “I am delighted to congratulate everyone involved in Warrington’s Fairtrade journey as we celebrate 20 years as a Fairtrade Borough.”

He added: “This anniversary is a testament to the dedication of a number of local residents and community organisations, with the Warrington Fairtrade Steering Group being a driving force of local activity.”

Rev Caroline Batey, a member of the steering group, said this year’s theme is Fair Pay. “Fair pay matters because everyone deserves the chance to live well,” she said.

“You can help us build on the good work done so far, by getting involved with the work of the steering group and by buying products that have the Fairtrade mark.”

What it means for you

  • Fairtrade Fortnight 2026 runs from 21 September to 4 October. The Fairtrade Foundation’s campaign page lists the national events and this year’s Fair Pay theme.
  • Look for the Fairtrade Mark on tea, coffee, chocolate, bananas and other everyday goods. That is the simplest thing the steering group is asking for.
  • Volunteer with the steering group. Rev Batey asked residents to get involved. The council’s announcement does not give a direct contact, so the council is the place to ask.

For more going on in the borough over the coming weeks, see our things to do in Warrington page.