Black Friday’s antidote takes place on 30 November with Cardiff participating for the first time alongside 180 cities worldwide
Cardiff hosts a festival described as a global cultural movement with a social impact on 30 November, the day after Black Friday.
Billed as the antidote to Black Friday, Fair Saturday encourages artists and cultural organisations to support social causes through showcasing their art. While aiming to mobilise people around the world in appreciation for arts and culture, these events are also for charity.
Anyone is welcome to host an event so long as they support a social cause.
Coordinator for the event Alison Woods explained that Fair Saturday is focused on culture and empathy rather than consumerism.
“The principle is that individuals or cultural organisations put on events or performances while also connecting with a local charity or social enterprise”, she said.
“The performer uses the event to profile and give their support to good causes”, she continued. “This could be by raising money for them, giving them a platform or even celebrating the excellent work they do.”
Many worthy causes will be represented at Fair Saturday including Mind, Oasis and Welsh Women’s Aid.
The festival began in 2014 with just eight events across Bilbao. It has now spread worldwide to 180 cities which host it annually. This year over 1,200 events will take place worldwide.
26 events will take place around Cardiff including performances, exhibitions and workshops. Alison is encouraged by the community response and optimistic about the festival’s future here.
“That Cardiff has 26 events in its first year is amazing, I think given a couple of years it will genuinely be a city-wide festival that everyone knows about- it’s going to be amazing.”
The foundation creates an app for every participating city which lists the events and activities taking place. More information is available at Fair Saturday.
