A popular festival celebrating trade unionism is gearing up to return this summer following last year’s cancellation.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival is a family-friendly festival commemorating the struggle of the six farmworkers from the village who in 1834 were sentenced to seven years' transportation to a penal colony in Australia for organising a union to fight back against poor pay.

The campaign to free them led to the foundation of modern day trade unionism.

The festival will run from Friday, July 19 and Sunday, July 21 and the weekend will include topical discussions and lectures from a wide variety of speakers, a networking space, a children’s area, open mic and DJ sessions and hands on workshops.

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

The large rally and march is on the Sunday and is free to attend but there is a £15 charge for parking.

There has been an annual gathering to mark the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs since the 1930s, which has since turned into a weekend festival. 

Last year’s festival had to be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions and the organisers, Trades Union Congress (TUC) South West, 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 legacy.

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

“It is exciting to be able to share that despite the challenges thrown at us, your support has made it possible for us to bring back our beloved festival in 2024.”

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

There will also be a solidarity tent, a more relaxed space for networking and collaboration, and 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, during a time when many are facing job and financial pressures.

Ines added: “The cost-of-living crisis continues to devastate working people and their families, and in that context our unions are holding the lines fighting for fairer and better terms and treatment.

“Hundreds of thousands of workers have been driven to taking industrial action in the past few years – many for the first time ever.

“The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival is a place for working people to share their stories, build strength and solidarity, whilst relaxing and letting off some steam with their friends and families.”

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