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Storytellers get ready to cast their spell

People can tickle their tastebuds and soak up entrancing tales from around the world at an event to celebrate national Fairtrade fortnight.

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Getting ready to entertain is Lichfield storyteller Christine Genders

An evening of ‘Stories from Afar’, with the chance to sample a smörgåsbord of Fairtrade food and wine, is a treat in store for the audience at St Chad’s Church Hall in Giffords Croft, Lichfield on Saturday March 9.

Well-known Lichfield storytellers Christine Genders and Maria Credali will take guests on a magic carpet ride around the world with a selection of food-themed tales from other lands.

As well as enjoying the entertainment, the audience will be able to try out a whole range of Fairtrade products including wine, cheese, crackers, pickles, chocolate and other tasty snacks.

The event kicks off at 7.30pm and tickets cost £5, available in advance from Lichfield Oxfam Shop and Oxfam Bookshop.

Fairtrade Fortnight runs from February 25 to March 10 and this year focuses on campaigning for a living income in developing countries. With sponsorship from Central England Co-op, proceeds will be going to Oxfam.

Storyteller Christine said: “Eating is central to our health, our happiness and our sense of who we are. That’s why mealtimes feature so often in our greatest stories and traditional tales.

“It is a real pleasure to be able to support Fairtrade Lichfield by sharing stories with a local audience.

"We hope the delicious food and drink available from Fairtrade, as well as the stories we tell, will shed a new light on the food we enjoy and make people think about the people who produce it.”

The Fairtrade Foundation is an independent non-profit organisation that works to secure a better deal for farmers and workers. This year Lichfield celebrates ten years as a Fairtrade Town.

Fairtrade Lichfield Co-ordinator Iwan Griffiths said: "We are proud to celebrate a decade as a Fairtrade Town, having been awarded renewal in June 2018. This event is a great chance for Lichfield people to get an update on the wide range of Fairtrade products available locally and try them before buying. Christine and Maria are captivating storytellers, and we are privileged to have them at the evening."

Tickets for the event are £5 and available in advance from Oxfam Shop and Oxfam Bookshop.