Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival 2023
• A family-friendly weekend full of hot topic discussions, music and comedy, workshops and activities for all to enjoy
This year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival is more relevant than ever. Taking place 14-16 July, the family-friendly event is expected to attract high-profile speakers, trade union general secretaries, striking key workers and more; a mass gathering of changemakers and ordinary working people passionate about making the world a better place.
The popular weekend long event is attended by thousands of trade unions from across the world in memory of the six farmworkers transported to Australia after joining a union in 1834.
Billy Bragg headlines the Festival as part of his 40 year anniversary tour; he is joined by international legend and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal, Welsh sensation NoGood Boyo, and countless other dynamic acts such as She Drew the Gun and Lady Nade.
The Festival also boasts over 30 debates and workshops, including the cost-of-living crisis, education, the NHS and numerous worker-led stories across a range of sectors, perspectives and experiences. Alongside a thriving International Tent showcasing important campaigns and struggles from around the world, this year also marks the arrival of the new Organising Tent, where festival goers will be able to participate in hands-on workshops and training.
Other entertainment over the weekend includes DJ sessions, the popular Friday night comedy show, open mic sessions, and the ever-fantastic Kids’ Area, with face-painting, pizza making and more to keep the kids (and the big kids) happy. TUC South West Regional Secretary, Ines Lage, said:
“In the middle of economic and financial crises, working people, their families and trade unions have taken centre stage as they fight for fairer and better terms and treatment.
“Hundreds of thousands of workers have been driven to taking industrial action. 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.
“Every year people share that this Festival recharges them and gives hope through struggle. This year is no different.
“Trades unions are ultimately networks of support and solidarity. The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival celebrates what our movement has accomplished so far and revives us for the year to come.”
To book entry and camping tickets and for more information about the Festival, visit the festival website.
- About the Tolpuddle Martyrs: The Martyrs were six agricultural workers who in 1834 agreed not to accept wages below a certain amount. They were arrested, charged with swearing a secret oath, and sentenced to seven years’ transportation to Australia. A grassroots campaign successfully overturned the sentences and they were brought back home.
- About the Festival: The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival 2023 runs from Friday 14th July until Sunday 16th July. Music and entertainment alongside topical debates are spread across the three days, culminating in a celebratory procession of trade unions, banners and thousands of supporters commemorating the legacy of the Tolpuddle Martyrs of Dorset. Speeches and music will follow. To book entry and camping tickets and for more information about the Festival, visit: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival
- For media: For passes, entry to the Festival and interview requests, please contact the TUC South West.
- The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.
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