Speaking at the trade justice message to a packed Westminster Abbey. more photos >>

The first event of the evening was a vigil in Westminster Abbey, where a host of celebs – including Ronan Keating, Jools Holland and Beverley Knight – made a unanimous call for fairer trade to a packed audience, accompanied by songs and speeches.

Gathering for the march down Whitehall. more photos >>

Whistles and glowsticks

Following this thousands of supporters marched the length of Whitehall, which was illuminated by candles and white balloons. Whistles, tambourines and drums added to the carnival feel, and everywhere you could see people brandishing banners and glowsticks.

“This is awesome,” said Adam, a New Zealand student studying in London. “Officially my scholarship says I’m not allowed to take part in activities critical of the UK government. But this was too good to miss, so I figured – what the hell.”

Coffee, campaigns and comics

All night, there were a range of events for people to choose from. The main entertainment centre was the Methodist Central Hall, where the Fairtrade café was based, selling London’s cheapest coffee (at 20p a cup). Once you beat the queue to get in, there was plenty of stuff on offer: from a cinema showing quirky animated films on trade issues, campaign stalls where you could find out how different charities were campaigning for fairer trade, an ongoing acoustic set, stand-up comedy with Andrew Maxwell and Marcus Brigstocke, aerobic sessions, trade workshops and even Nicaraguan puppet-making.

“It’s been really fantastic,” said Lee Morphew (22), who had travelled to the event from Plymouth with his girlfriend Serena Wong (19). “The fact that so many people have turned out gives me real hope that change can happen.”

Hedonistic types flocked to the sell-out night in Leicester Square’s Marquee Club, where Bobby Friction, Brave Captain and Gruff from the Super Furry Animals were all playing. It was a great set, according to Chris Rose (23), whose two left feet haven’t had such a workout in ages. Read Chris’s report here.

Wake up Blair, make trade fair! more photos >>

Incredibly, there were thousands of people still on their feet at 6.30 am for a march past the Houses of Parliament as the sun rose over the Thames. After this the crowds began to disperse, leaving behind a few Trade Justice Movement members, who met with MPs – including Tony Blair – and spoke about the TJM demands.