ORGANISERS are promising to make the 2012 Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival an event to remember.

A host of top speakers and musical acts have been lined up for this weekend, while there will also be plenty to keep the children entertained.

Regional secretary for the South West TUC (Trades Union Congress) Nigel Costley said there is plenty of going on at the festival site over the three days, including a new tin village that will host activities for youngsters.

He said: “The festival has become a key date in the calendar of the labour movement but it's also an event that everyone can enjoy with the range of music and entertainment.

“We have got lots going on in the way of debate and discussion but we have also got this new offering for kids and families.

“The village is being made out of wood and tin and will play host to a whole range of kids activities and entertainment for all ages such as a DJ workshop and cinema as well as discussions.”

Speakers at the festival, which celebrates the six 19th Century Dorset farm labourers who paved the way for the trade union movement, will include the newly announced next general secretary of the TUC Frances O'Grady and Brendan Barber, from whom she will take over the role when he retires at the end of the year.

An international perspective will also be offered by deputy secretary of the international trade union movement Wellington Chibebe from Zimbabwe and festival favourite Tony Benn will again be taking to the stage.

Music will come from a host of acts including The Selecter, Robb Johnson, Merry Hell and a wide range of up and coming acts.

There will also be comedy and poetry performances over the weekend and Sunday will see the traditional rally through the village.

One union that will be proudly representing itself in the procession is the Dorset branch of the GMB, with representatives displaying its new banner commissioned from artist Ed Hall for the first time.

The banner is centred on the Tolpuddle Martyrs Statue and surrounded by popular Dorset scenes.

Mr Costley said the festival site had not been too badly affected by the recent weather and said work had been done to ensure limit any potential disruption from the elements.

He said: “Whatever the weather I'm sure we will have a good festival.”

For more information about the festival visit www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk.