AROUND 1,000 visitors enjoyed the eighth Wales Fair Trade Fair in Abergavenny on Sunday.

The event, held in the Market Hall, was opened by the Mayor of Abergavenny, Councillor Martin Hickman, and a performance by Llantilio Pertholey Primary School.

Visitors were treated to an array of fair trade stalls selling ethical goods from all over the world, as well as sampling African food on 40 stalls in the hall. There was also African dancing, drumming, Zimbabwean food and live music from Chris Blanchard, Stainless Steve and the Bollywood dancers.

The event is the brainchild of Abergavenny couple David and Martha Holman. They set up the charity Love Zimbabwe, which carried out life-saving projects in the country and are committed to promoting fair trade and education in developing countries.

A fundraising concert in aid of the charity was also held in the Borough Theatre on the eve of the fair that included performances by headline act Baraka- a unique combination of musicians from Ghana, Senegal, Germany, Dominica and Ireland.

Mrs Holman said: “It was a great success and well attended by 1,000 people.”

“It’s about trying to promote different cultures and selling fairly traded good.”

“We are grateful to The Arts Council of Wales provided a grant for the evening concert and Abergavenny Town Council provided the Market Hall on Sunday.”