Birmingham launch for Fairtrade fortnight

BIRMINGHAM LAUNCH PARTY FOR FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT! Birmingham¹s Café One, the UK's only Fairtrade music venue, kicks off National Fairtrade Fortnight in style this Friday (3 March) with an evening of musical and cultural collaboration featuring high profile special guests Soweto Kinch and MC Mad Flow. Café One on Broad Street will host an action-packed, creative and dynamic party to open the Fairtrade Fortnight, which has a program of events and meetings across the country from 6 -19 March 2006. The Fairtrade frolics will begin at Café One with a Fairtrade Q&A discussion and debate with poet Roshan Doug and Guy Thomas from campaign group Globalise Resistance. There will be an exclusive film showing of Naomi Klein's "The Take", a documentary on a workers' cooperative in Argentina, while SpiritSalsa, a Latin-dance workshop from renowned salsa teacher Thomas O'Flaherty at 9pm, is sure to inject some Latin fire into the night. Passion For Fashion will also present a vibrant urban Fairtrade Fashion Show to preview their upcoming collection of stylish and ethical clothing. Café One is proud to present the BBoysAttic breakdance crew, who will show off their impressive skills with an energetic dance workshop. Live karaoke and open-mic sessions will also give guests the chance to wow the crowds. Award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch and beat box legend MC Mad Flow will headline an exclusive jam session of jazz and hip hop featuring OnMusic resident DJs. Entry to the event is by invitation only ­ drop by Café One on Broad Street between 9am and 4pm on weekdays and pick up your free invite. Be warned, places are limited! Sam Alim, founder of Café One, said: "This launch marks the start of a new concept, created by the people for the people. Friday¹s Fairtrade party will be an incredible evening of discussion, ethical debate, poetry, fashion, dance, music and film, all dedicated to a celebration of the worldwide influence of the Fairtrade movement." What is Café One? Established as a progressive hub for young people and students across the Midlands, Café One serves Fairtrade food and drink throughout the day, hosts evening yoga sessions and a community bank workshop. Local community groups such as People and Planet and Amnesty International hold regular member meetings at Café One, while themed discussion evenings at the venue attract many local high profile guest speakers. The Fairtrade venue is available free of charge for progressive groups wishing to meet in tranquil, laidback surroundings. The cosy café also runs a programme of laidback evening events. Wednesday is yoga night, live music plays on Thursday and Friday Night Films, showcasing independent and international pictures on a widescreen projector.

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