Sun shines on Strike School

The Burston Strike School Rally drew crowds to a small corner of Norfolk on Sunday 7th September to remember the “longest strike in history”.

Mark Walker, Unite Regional Officer and Burston Strike School Event Coordinator and Trustee, praised, “Another sunny Norfolk day and another successful strike school rally.”

Mark said, “This year’s rally was full of great speakers, music and entertainment and the green was packed with stalls from trade unions and the wider Labour movement.”

Nothing was going to stop hundreds of people flocking to Burston for the annual event and even a 10k run held in Norwich the same day didn’t delay the Brass bands for too long from getting there, and stewards, including members of the Unite LE/879 branch, had a busy day helping visitors.

This year the speakers included Jan Shortt, General Secretary Pensioners Convention, Edward Harlow, NEU Vice President, Unite LE Regions Women’s and Equality Officer Aisha Malik-Smith and Richard Burgon MP.

But it wasn’t all about the speakers and the crowd sang along with socialist choir Red Flags before getting up and dancing to Reggae Falls and Afro Band Drum Babas, while comedian and political activist Mark Thomas stole the show.

The Burston facebook page was awash with positive comments about this year’s rally.

Juliet Lehair said, “Thank you to the organisers for another great day. I loved dancing to the bands, and really enjoyed Mark Thomas. Went home equipped with a “Please mind the Farage” sticker; excellent.”

Craig Jamieson said, “My first visit today, and an inspiring place to visit. I’ll definitely be back.”

Even the performers had a great time, with Ntangbl from Reggae Falls saying, “It was so great to see people from last year, and the new people we met! Seeing people up and dancing and singing at this event was great.”

“Old and young. People in wheelchairs, enjoying themselves! The love was felt! To the lady from Luton that came to hear us…Thank you! Most of all, thank you Mark, for having us.”

Mark Walker summed up another fantastic year saying, “The event raised lots of money for the strike school and the children’s local primary, and the Burston Trustees and Committee wish to thank all those involved in making 2025 a great success.”

The organisers are already starting to make plans for next year, which will be held on Sunday September 6th 2026.

By Keith Hatch

Photos by Peter Everard Smith