Unite on the Hill

A Unite branch in Devon has launched a new festival this summer to bring people together in troubled times, and is free to Unite members.

Unite on the Hill is a two-day family event that aims to combine the energy of a music festival with the relaxation of a seaside holiday. The festival takes place from 19th to 21st June at Maker Heights, a historic seafort overlooking the idyllic Cornish seaside village of Cawsands, the event is both a celebration of worker solidarity and a call to action.

The festival is being organising by the Unite SW008 branch, a geographic branch representing members in small workplaces across Devon and parts of Cornwall.

Branch Chair John Whitcher said: “As one of the largest branches in the South West, SW008 faces unique challenges. Our members are often isolated — both geographically and because they work in workplaces too small to have their own branch.

“Despite this, the need for collective action has never been greater. Devon and Cornwall face insecure, low-paid work and high levels of child poverty. Many children have never been to the beach, despite living so close to it.

“At the same time, we see a privatised water company polluting our rivers, harming wildlife and making people sick.

This event is about bringing people together — replacing despair with hope, and showing what’s possible when we unite. We also hope this can become a regular event and encourage other Unite branches to get involved.”

Organisers have been hard at work putting together a packed weekend where attendees can enjoy:

In addition, the venue’s Gunshed will host a series of talks and discussions on key issues affecting Unite members in Devon and Cornwall, including:

Tickets are free for Unite members and their families, with a limited number of guest tickets available for non-members and can be obtained on the event ticket page here.

Unite on the Hill takes place at Maker Heights, Torpoint PL10 1LA, and you can find out more on the event page.

By Keith Hatch