Wake Up to Trade Justice
Opening Event

Friday 15 April 2005

Westminster Abbey

'The all-night vigil began with a very special gathering, organised by the Trade Justice Movement, as part the Global Week of Action for Trade Justice.

‘We light this flame …’

A programme of songs, readings, guest speakers and the kindling of the vigil light.

Stars and public figures from stage, screen and the music world joined with speakers from Trade Justice campaigning for a programme of songs, readings, guest speakers and the kindling of the vigil light.

Click here for a selection of the readings.
Click here for the speech by Farhad Mazhar, Ubinig (Policy Research for Development Alternatives), Bangladesh.
Click here for the speech by Barbara Crowther, Fairtrade Foundation, on behalf of the Trade Justice Movement.

An incredible hour in an amazing night in an extraordinary week.  

Performers included Ronan Keating, Beverley Knight, Jools Holland, Damian Lewis, Pete Postlethwaite, Bonnie Greer, Adjoa Andoh, Ben Okafor, Calum MacColl, Kingdom Choir and the Umumbano drummers from Rwanda .

After the opening gathering: The Trade Justice Human White Band

At the end of the Westminster Abbey event those packed inside were led out into the night by representatives of the Trade Justice Movement. Given the many thousands that had arrived for the event, the vigil in Whitehall had already begun. The Abbey audience circled Parliament Square to join with those already on Whitehall as together they formed a massive Human White Band, the symbol of MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY – the largest anti-poverty mobilisation this country has ever seen that has Trade Justice as a key call.  

Reports from the events

» Westminster Abbey opening event
» Gordon Brown’s message to TJM campaigners
» Report back from the Wake Up delegations
» Supporter feedback on GWA  
» Photo Gallery from the Vigil
» Reports from Wake Up to Trade Justice