Leith-based musicians, Pulse of the Place were drumming alongside piping legend Lou Marshall last weekend, in the run-up to the World Fair Trade Gathering on 11 May. The event will be co-hosted by TV presenter Gail Porter and supermodel and broadcaster Eunice Olumide.
Practising their moves and ceilidh magic on the USHER HALL steps at the weekend, the young samba band are keen to “raise the roof” with their energy-packed drumming and show the public they mean business when it comes to getting the Fairtrade message out there.
The World Fair Trade Day Gathering will be a fun-packed line up of 150 performers with rocking ceilidh sounds including World Fair Trade piper Lou Marshall and her Celtic fusion band Cantara; full on foot-stomping ceilidh band, Reel Time Ceilidh band; lively Glasgow-based Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 with alternative dance music and rocking ceilidh rhythms; inspiring Scottish folk musician Rachel Sermanni; rock n roll masters hot off the press from New York – Miracle Glass Company and rousing and rhythmical Got Soul Choir straight off the back of their ‘Take That’ spotlight.
And inspiring multi-cultural rhythms and dance beats from Afro-Celtic fusion group Zuba and inspirational dance groups – award-winning Irish dance performance specialists Siamsoir and Glasgow-based community arts dance group Clan Macondo working at the heart of the refugee community.
Commenting on the event supermodel and broadcaster, Eunice Olumide MBE, said: “It’s such an honour to be part of such a significant organisation and movement in my hometown of Edinburgh. I’m proud to lend my support for what is going to be a truly incredible event.”
This year, the World Fair Trade Day hashtag is #Fair Trade Innovates with the aim of creating solutions for people and the planet. It is an inclusive, worldwide festival of events celebrating Fair Trade as a tangible contribution to sustainable development, especially the economic empowerment of small producers, gender equality in workplaces and responsible production practices.
Event organiser and director, Tania Pramschufer, Hand Up Events, said: “This event will be connecting with 400 WFTO member organisations across 70 countries and bringing together inspiring speakers and incredibly talented musicians – a day of global unity and celebration for fair trade.”
Travelling to Edinburgh from Amsterdam especially for the event, World Fair Trade Organisation CEO, Erinch, said: “Scotland is a pioneer in Fair Trade, what we see now is a real vision for transforming business and trade. Our global community of social enterprises that practice Fair Trade is a partner for Scotland in showcasing the enterprises of the new economy.”
For a limited time only, until Wednesday the 8th, you can get your tickets for £7.50, plus booking fee (ten per cent) and transaction fee (£.1.50, if booked online or by phone).
Code for discount: Fair Trade Nation.
For tickets and information www.usherhall.co.uk T: 0131 228 1155 or online at. Box Office is open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
