A first ever eco-fair is going ahead in a Northumberland town this weekend to coincide with the Great Big Green Week.
Climate Action Wansbeck are organising Morpeth's first eco-fair and it will take place in the town's market square this Sunday. The first event of its kind in Northumberland's county town, it will host local traders who are showcasing sustainable products that take into account the need for conserving the planet's resources.
These include coffee roasters Caribe Coffee, jewellery makers Northumberland Seaglass, and vegan bakery the Blissful Pig. There will also be a plant swap, and kids' activities such as print making and eco-face painting.
The fair has been organised alongside Great Big Green Week, a nationwide celebration of action on climate change which is taking place between September 24 and October 2 2022. And organisers are hoping that it will help people to be more eco-aware and eco-friendly in the products they buy.
Anne-Marie Soulsby, of Climate Action Wansbeck, said: "Morpeth has a regular market scene and they have a Wednesday market, a farmers' market once a month, and food and drink during the Christmas markets. What we're doing is the same sort of stall set up, but the twist is that everybody is an environmentally friendly local trader."
Climate Action Wansbeck have previously been involved in Morpeth's markets, though it's only been one on stall rather than having a whole event to themselves. In the handful of appearances they've made, they have spoken to people about the environment ahead of last year's COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, and given people the chance to try out e-bikes.
The eco-fair, which Anne-Marie has described as "moving up a level from our previous stalls," is a one-off, though she hopes that it could become a regular event and is looking into avenues to make it viable. Sunday's event has received funding from Friends of the Earth to cover the cost of gazebos, stalls and tables for the whole market, but Anne-Marie hopes a good turnout on Sunday will help get sponsorship for future events, or to attract more volunteers and supporters.
She said: "In terms of what we want the market to become, it's something that is protecting future generations and making the planet healthier, our communities healthier, and providing some new and interesting products for people. So it's a combination of celebrating Great Big Green Week and demonstrating there are alternatives out there as well."
The Morpeth Eco Fair will take place in Morpeth Market Place on Sunday September 25 from 10am - 3pm. To find out more, visit Climate Action Wansbeck's Facebook page.
Are you planning to visit Morpeth's first ever eco fair? Let us know!
Read next
