Thousands of Fairtrade supporters around the country are gearing up to launch an extra special Fairtrade Fortnight (24th February - 9th March 2014) campaign in 2014, aiming to bring about landmark change in the banana industry. The enthusiasm to make this the most significant Fairtrade Fortnight yet is palpable among organising groups as 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK.
Spices of India is getting behind Karma Korma, a campaign run by Bristol-based charity, FRANK Water, which helps provide life-changing access to clean, safe water for rural communities in India. As part of the Karma Korma project, Spices of India is encouraging curry-lovers everywhere to cook up an Indian feast for friends and family on Saturday 22nd March 2014, which is World Water Day.
2014 is set to be an exciting year for the world of natural wine, with the next London RAW taking place on 18th - 19th May 2014 and the launch of RAW Vienna later in the summer. This year also sees the publication of RAW founder, Isabelle Legeron MW's much-anticipated first book.
Need an excuse to party in January? Chinese New Year is the biggest Chinese celebration there is, lasting for 15 days starting on 31st January 2014. To celebrate, red envelopes containing monetary gifts are traditionally given to friends and family at the start of the New Year in China, where the red colour is said to bring luck and ward off evil spirits. This Chinese New Year, London's leading dim sum and cocktail restaurant, Ping Pong, will give away thousands of lucky red envelopes, while also offering a limited edition seasonal menu - including Shanghainese noodles, Tapioca Pearls cocktail and Chaozhou Vegetable dumplings.
With the release of a new Paddington feature movie, a growing interest in making preserves at home and a steep rise in exports of British marmalade abroad 2014 is set to be a golden year for marmalade. Jane Hasell-McCosh, organiser of the 9th World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival being held at Dalemain in Cumbria on 1st & 2nd March 2014, is predicting jars will be flying off the shelves as Brits rediscover their love for the citrus preserve and an increased number of international retailers stock the quintessentially British breakfast staple.
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club will be hosting The Luxury Wedding Show on Sunday 23rd March 2014, a unique and glamorous experience ideal for couples looking to plan their big day. Between 11.00am and 4.00pm, guests will be given the chance to experience a selection of the finest wedding suppliers in the county, as well as visit Ashdown Park's breath-taking Richard Towneley Suite, world renowned for its stunning stained glass windows.
