Fairtrade family picnic on the Hoe

Everyone is invited to bring their sandwiches, blankets and deckchairs to the Plymouth Hoe this weekend for a big picnic.

To help celebrate the end of Co-operatives Fortnight Plymouth City Council has partnered up with lots of local businesses to host a Fairtrade family picnic on Saturday 6 July.

Taking place between 11am and 2pm on the grassed area of the Hoe by Elliott Street there will be lots to do and see with face painting, puppet shows and Fairtrade stalls.

Children will be able to watch puppet shows about Sylvanus and his pirate ship performed by Joanna Hruby Puppetry at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.

There will be a few Fairtrade and ethical produce stalls selling goods from giftware to food and jewellery to homeware.

Everyone taking part in the picnic will be entered into a prize draw to win a hamper of Fairtrade and ethical goodies. Wine, tea, biscuits and even relaxation products have been donated by Co-operative, Lush, Plymouth University’s Student Union shop and ethical traders based in the City Market.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Community Development said: “I believe the weather is set to be nice on Saturday and this picnic will generate a real community spirit, which is what co-operatives is all about.

“Over the last two weeks we have been raising awareness of the benefits local people can have supporting and generating a co-operative way of live and this picnic will act as a celebration for embracing this.”

International Co-operatives Fortnight runs from Saturday 22 June to Saturday 6 July 2013.