Countdown to Tolpuddle

The countdown to this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival begins! In just a week’s time — from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21 – Unite will be joining the wider trade union movement at the iconic festival in Tolpuddle, Dorset.

Trade unionists and their friends and families will gather to pay tribute to the Tolpuddle Martyrs, six agricultural labourers who in 1834 were among the first to form a union in the UK. Since 1934, a festival has been held nearly every year in their honour. A key date in the trade union calendar, the festival is also a chance for the labour movement to get together and celebrate their successes, as well as organise for the future.

With the festival cancelled last year due to inclement weather, it’s back this year in full swing. Festival-goers can look forward to a weekend filled with inspiring speeches and talks, delicious food and drink from local traders and music from a number of talented artists.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham will be one of the headline speakers on the main stage on Sunday afternoon (July 21). In her speech, she’ll address the legacy of agricultural unions and the state of workers’ struggle today.

The festival will also welcome to the main stage a group of newly elected Labour MPs from the South West, including Unite member Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, a long-time friend and volunteer of the festival.

Unite South West’s Marquee this year will be bigger and better than ever, with a range of debates and talks throughout the day on Saturday. These include Rural Women in Rebellion, an all-women panel; Bristol Bus Boycott, featuring an exclusive interview with Joyce Morris-Wisdom, one of the pioneers of the boycott; and Migrant Workers: The Truth and the Celebration, which will examine what it’s really like being a migrant worker and how Unite can help.

The day will culminate in a Roma circle dance led by Unite’s very own reps and migrant workers, Diana and Aida, drag artist extraordinaires. This will be followed by acoustic folk-punk artist FMI Clatters in concert. You can view the full schedule below.

Amanda Campbell, editor of Landworker magazine, will be chairing Saturday’s talks at the Unite Marquee. She urged festival-goers to join us.

“We hope everyone enjoys their weekend at Tolpuddle and we’re eager to welcome one and all to our fascinating debates on Saturday,” she said. “Come down and get your free copy of Landworker and other Unite goodies. Early birds may even catch a t-shirt, if they’re lucky. Take part in our lively discussions and don’t miss our live entertainment that’s sure to draw the crowds.”

Find out more about the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, full listings, and online ticket orders, here. N.B. the last day to purchase tickets online is Thursday, July 18 at noon.

By Hajera Blagg