YORK is to mark its tenth anniversary as a Fairtrade City with a series of celebrations.

The Lord Mayor will host a reception in the Mansion House on March 8 to reflect on the achievements since 2004.

Guests will include Aimeth Angulo, a Colombian banana farmer, York Central MP Hugh Bayley and local schoolchildren.

The event will be followed by live music, a buffet, and raffle at a Fairtrade Bring and Share Party in the Guildhall from 7.30pm to 10pm.

Fairtrade Fortnight will bring with it a new campaign of “Stick with Foncho” supporting Fairtrade bananas. On March 8, York Fairtrade Forum will be holding a banana stall in St Helen’s Square from 2pm.

Tasters will be available, and visitors will also get the chance to make smoothies and learn more about Fairtrade and how it is helping to transform the banana industry.

Other events during Fairtrade Fortnight include the film The People And The Olive, showing at York City Screen tomorrow, and a wine-tasting event by the Co-operative at the National Railway Museum on Friday.