Popular festival celebrating the return of Dorset workers after last year’s cancellation

A popular holiday celebrating unionism is preparing to return this summer after being canceled last year.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival is a family festival commemorating the struggle of six village farm workers who, in 1834, were sentenced to seven years’ transportation to a penal colony in Australia for organizing a union to fight poor wages.

The campaign for their release led to the founding of modern trade unionism.

The festival will run from Friday July 19 to Sunday July 21 and the weekend will include themed discussions and lectures from a wide variety of speakers, a networking area, a children’s area, open mic sessions and DJs and practical workshops.

There will also be music from Zimbabwean streetbeat band Gonora Sounds, Wirral punk-pop She Drew The Gun, nu-metal ravers No Good Boyo, Alt genre Bik Era and Welsh-Nigerian R&B artist Kima Otung.

The big rally and march takes place on Sunday and is free to attend, but parking costs £15.

There is an annual gathering to commemorate the history of the Tolpuddle Martyrs since the 1930s, which has since developed into a weekend festival.

Last year’s festival had to be canceled due to extreme weather conditions and organisers, the South West Trades Union Congress (TUC), have shared their excitement for the festival’s return.

Ines Lage, TUC regional secretary, said: “We are grateful for the support and solidarity shown to our festival over the past year, building on a proud tradition and heritage.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Rally, Dorset, UK 2018. Photo by: Finnbarr Webster Photography.

“It’s exciting to be able to share that despite the challenges thrown our way, your support has allowed us to bring back our beloved festival in 2024.”

Festival organizers also announced the new installation of a video link to allow international speakers to address the audience.

There will also be a Solidarity Tent, a more relaxed space for networking and collaboration, as well as an international tent showcasing campaigns and struggles from around the world.

The return of this festival aims to provide a welcome space for topical debates and supportive conversations, at a time when many are facing professional and financial pressures.

Ines added: “The cost of living crisis continues to devastate workers and their families, and against this backdrop our unions are holding the line, fighting for fairer and better conditions and treatment.

“Hundreds of thousands of workers have been pushed to take industrial action in recent years – many for the first time.

“The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival is a place where workers can share their stories, build strength and solidarity, while relaxing and letting off steam with friends and family.”

More information about the event can be found on the Toldpuddle Martyrs’ Festival website: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival