Bristolians have the chance to pay a tribute to Tony Benn at a May Day memorial event.

Members of the public are invited to join trade unionists and politicians in remembering the former Bristol MP, who died in March, at the New Room in the city centre between 7 and 9pm on May 1^st.

Tony Benn was the Labour MP for Bristol South East for more than thirty years. During his time in the city he fought for his right to stay in Parliament, he championed many progressive causes, opposed racism and ensured Concorde was built in Filton.

Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of the South West TUC, said: “Trade unionists in Bristol have always been inspired and encouraged by Tony Benn and want the opportunity to share in an appropriate tribute to him – one that reflects on his life as an MP in Bristol, as a minister that that saved jobs, particularly in Aerospace, and as a towering figure of the Left and a champion for trade unions and working people.”

Paul Stephenson, leader of the Bristol bus boycott [when passengers refused to travel on the city's busses unless the company stopped its whites-only employment policy], said: “Tony Benn is well-known as a great politician, but he was also one of Britain's great British civil rights campaigners.

“His support of our struggle helped bring to an end the last colour bar in the UK, and transform race relations in this country.”

David Worthington, manager of the New Room, the world's oldest Methodist chapel, said: “In many ways John Wesley [the co-founder of Methodism] and Tony Benn shared a lot of character traits.

“They were both men who challenged authority and convention, even when what they were saying was unpopular, and they both reflect Bristol's spirit of independence.”

Speakers at the event will also include Dawn Primarolo MP, Kerry McCarthy MP, Helen Holland, leader of Bristol City Labour councillors, methodist Harold Clarke, ex-Aerospace convenor Lew Gray, Roger James from CND, poet Miles Chambers and the Red Notes Choir.

A limited number of tickets for the event are available and can be ordered here . Tickets are free.