Fairtrade in Preston
Preston was declared a Fairtrade city in June 2004 by the then mayor Councillor Pat Woods. Our bid was supported by local celebrity Sir Tom Finney, who joined us for Fairtrade tea in the mayor’s parlour.
A celebration evening was held at the University of Central Lancashire which was attended by campaigners, councillors and representatives from schools, churches, shops and cafes.
At that time there were 29 shops and 17 cafes on our list of Fairtrade establishments. That number has since increased and more churches, schools and businesses are now on board. In October 2008 signs were erected declaring Preston a Fairtrade City. In March 2008 UCLAN gained Fairtrade university status. In June 2009 we celebrated 5 years of being a Fairtrade City with a Fairtrade Festival on the Flag Market.