TRADE unionists enjoyed the Bill and Benn show at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival.

They flocked to see singer Billy Bragg and former Labour MP Tony Benn at the annual gathering.

Mr Benn was one of the main speakers after the traditional march through the village on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Bragg, who lives at Burton Bradstock, was among the acts to play on the main stage as well as actor Adrian Edmondson and his band the Bad Shepherds.

Ted Pittman, aged 61, who lives in one of the TUC Martyrs Memorial Cottages with wife Janet, said: “There was a great atmosphere.

“It was really very busy. The rally has certainly grown over the years and has got a lot bigger.

“There were a lot of banners in the parade. I liked the march as well as watching the groups on the main stage.

“Adrian Edmondson wasn’t bad at all.”

The South West TUC-organised event has expanded to three days in recent years and attracts about 10,000 people.

Mr Benn, who has been one of the stalwarts of the festival, was one of the main speakers.

Other highlights included a wreath-laying service at St John’s Church at the grave of Martyr James Hammett.

There was a service in the Methodist chapel on Sunday evening to mark the end of the festival as well as a party in the Martyrs Marquee.

A 60-strong party, led by the Prisoner Officers’ Association walked from Dorchester Prison to Tolpuddle on Sunday morning.

The weekend also included workshops, stalls, music, speakers, a football tournament and children’s entertainment.