Thousands of trade unionists and like-minded leftists from around the country will descend on the small Dorset village of Tolpuddle on 15-17 July for the famous Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival.
The annual gathering marks the story of six farm workers’ union leaders whose arrest and deportation in 1834 led to huge nationwide protests and the birth of modern trade unionism.
First held as a small wreath laying ceremony in 1930, the festival now attracts thousands of people for a three-day celebration that includes music, debates, discussions, walks, food, film, comedy and radical history.
This year’s event, the first since the Covid-19 pandemic, features performers such as Billy Bragg, union leaders such as TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady and Mick Lynch of the RMT, and Labour MPs Louise Haigh and Thangam Debbonnaire, plus many, many more.
Tickets for the weekend cost £50 with reductions for children and for Friday or Saturday-only passes.
The traditional Sunday rally day is open to all.
The festival programme is here.
Lots more about the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the history of the festival is here.
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