All about the Tolpuddle Martyrs - their story, their legacy and how we celebrate it every year. 19-21 July 2024
Tolpuddle, Dorset, England
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Follow us on Instagram to get all the latest updates about the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival 2026:
instagram.com/tolpuddlemarty…
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"A Labour government will repeal anti trade union laws and replace them with ones that give workers more rights," says @jeremycorbyn
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Huge cheers as @FrancesOGrady calls on the government to lift the public sector pay cap #Tolpuddle #TolpuddleFest
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Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2023 is cancelled.
This is because of the extreme adverse weather conditions, and in the interests of everybody’s safety.
People should not travel as none of the events will go ahead today or tomorrow.
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As the RMT strike continues, we are delighted to share that General Secretary & media dragonslayer Mick Lynch will be speaking at Tolpuddle this year alongside Assistant GS Eddie Dempsey.
Join the RMT on a picket line today and join us at the festival!
theguardian.com/uk-news/2022…
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#OnThisDay in 1834 six Dorset farm workers faced a trial in @ShireHallDorset for administering a secret oath in the formation of a trade union. We remember their transportation into slavery and the huge campaign that freed them.
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This tent was certified for winds of up to 50mph.
Check out the 1m long spike, drilled into the earth by a specialised machine, just flapping around ready to knock a person out.
Thank you to everyone for your kindness and understanding. Your safety will always come first.
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On this day in 1834 (189 years ago) the Tolpuddle Martyrs were convicted of swearing a secret oath and sentenced to seven years' transportation to Australia.
A massive grassroots outcry saw the charges dropped and the Martyrs returned to their families.
#radicalhistory
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"The #Tolpuddle Martyrs changed the world forever by standing up for working people" @jeremycorbyn
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Tolpuddle's favourite headliner will be returning to the main stage again! Who's excited to see Billy Bragg after a long lockdown period? We know we are.
Billy has a great new album that reflects on the impact of lockdown and the importance of solidarity. Don't miss his set!
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Have you seen this year's poster and lineup yet? Its gonna be a juicy one - and this is just the music, wait until you see our speaker sessions! 🔥
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In case there was ever any doubt, we can confirm the Tolpuddle Martyrs ❤ unions.
#HeartUnions2022
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Good morning #TolpuddleFest It's going to be another beautiful day with lots of trade union fun!
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We had a lively planning meeting yesterday in Bristol getting ready for this year's Tolpuddle.
Mark your calendars - 14-16 July:
✔️Vibrant music lineup
✔️Showcases on the strike wave, stories from the front lines
✔️Organising on new frontiers
Tickets for sale from 1 April 😎
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Tolpuddle team photo with @jeremycorbyn - thanks to everyone who contributed to making it such a terrific festival
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Getting excited about our ambitious plans for a fantastic #Tolpuddle2020 online festival. Check out tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk
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This is what happens when you put 7 women leaders in a room. Packed out! #TolpuddleFest Fringe tent @ThangamMP @ClareMoodyMEP @doinacornell @MPeakeOfficial @WandaWyporska @DawnPrimarolo @jokbristol
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Another successful festival in the books. We are so proud of all of you who attend our festival, an amazing bunch of people, lively and friendly with hearts of gold. A team member tasked with litter pickup complained he didn't have enough to do!
Thank you for all you do. ❤✊🏾
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#Tolpuddle2021 is almost here 🎉🎉🎉
Join us TONIGHT on Facebook, Youtube or our website for our launch event with @pplsassembly and @UnionFreedom for
**Change rarely comes without PROTEST**
with: @MarvinJRees @billybragg @sarahwoolley01 @DrRosena, and @IERUK 's Keith Ewing
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At least the six #Tolpuddle Martyrs would be able to meet. Get organised and join a union. @TUCSouthWest @UNISONSW @pcs_southwest @NEUSouthWest @unitesouthwest
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The core lesson of the Tolpuddle Martyrs is that people power can beat injustice. Solidarity is our deepest strength.
In days like these we need to remember this again and again, as we stand firm against attacks on our living conditions and our fundamental human rights.
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Joining us on the main stage Sunday is @The_TUC President and @FBUnational General Secretary @MattWrack; our own spitfire champion of workers rights starting from firefighters and extending wide. Don't miss his speech, remember Sunday is free!
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Nigel Costley - " women bore the brunt of poverty during the time of the tolpuddle martyrs' " #TolpuddleFest #Vote100
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This year we have the great honour of welcoming to the Tolpuddle main stage Dr. Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK. @HZomlot is a friend of the trade union movement with the most important and urgent message... probably ever.
#freepalestine
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And we're off!!
Watch the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival LIVE right now!
🎞️tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/fest…
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As ever the wonderful team @M_Star_Online have released their latest edition with a special Tolpuddle mention.
👇👇👇👇👇Read it now with your morning ☕️ before it all kicks off at 10am again.
#tolpuddle2021
Attending the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival this weekend? Then you can read this weekend's edition of the Morning Star in full for free! Click this link on Saturday: ow.ly/iv3n50FxmUG @TolpuddleFest
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📣Read all about it 📣
Great coverage of our festival in @M_Star_Online this weekend.
morningstaronline.co.uk/arti…
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A great session on industrial transformation, green agenda, 4 day week and automation from @MollyMEP @SteveT_Unite and @darrenpjones and our brill chair @TraceyBlythe8
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We want your pictures!
Tag us and use #Tolpuddle2020 on Sunday from 2.00pm as we remember the martyrs of Tolpuddle, and of today.
#keyworkers #StillClapping
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Yes we're running a virtual festival.
And yes we've got @beanstoast performing!🥳🤩
One of the most engaging, in touch artists of the current UK touring and festival scene.
Don't miss it!!
17 - 19 July - live on Facebook and Youtube
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We've got an absolutely stonking line-up of music and performers.
Including those who have performed in the past, those who would've played for us this year, and friends.
🥳Don't miss it THIS weekend!! 🥳
tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/fest…
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We've got so much on *this* weekend for #Tolpuddle2020
Watch LIVE every day on
>> Facebook
>> Youtube
or on Zoom for lectures and debates.
Lots more on what's on and how to join in here: tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/fest…
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We are excited to welcome back our headliner, Dorset local, social justice giant, the inimitable @BillyBragg ! After a year of strikes and standing up for working people, come let off some steam with Billy's set.
Sunday Main Stage, 16:45.
tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/fest…
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Coming up next week >
Six Men of Dorset: the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the making of a legacy
Professor Clare Griffiths has tracked the way the Tolpuddle Story has been told and gives her views.
zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_…
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"Our solidarity doesn't build walls. It doesn't build barriers. It gives workers power." Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of @TUCSouthWest at #TolpuddleFest
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For the first time this year, Bookmarks will be running speaking sessions at Tolpuddle!
@Bookmarks_books is the official bookseller for the TUC. Their range covers politics, economics, trade unions, labour history, the environment, Black struggle, women, culture and more.
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Check out @jesshurdphoto 's photos from this year's festival. Great pictures once again! #TolpuddleFest #Tolpuddle
jesshurd.com/2018/07/24/tolp…
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"Tolpuddle is the very best time of year. It's like a holiday from greed. A socialist theme park where everybody is basically decent." -@Batsfeet
We love this description, and it's true; our festival-goers are simply the best people. We can't wait to see you all - doors at 12!
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Coming to the festival tomorrow? Our newsletter goes out to everyone who buys tickets, but we can't send it to Sunday guests - so check it out here and get all the helpful advice and juicy tidbits you need to make the most of your festival experience!
mailchi.mp/tuc/swjuly-434059…
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Empty camping field, empty festival field but hearts full of hope for the year ahead. If you do 1 thing before Tolpuddle 2018, join a union
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For Jezza! Skimmity Hitchers start a sing-a-long @jeremycorbyn @JeremyCorbyn4PM
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We're so pleased to have @wcmlibrary join the Radical History School online sessions to share their work and what's been going on in 2020.
Sign up to watch here: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_…
Live on Wed 9 Dec at 7pm
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Best known as the lead singer of The Bodysnatchers, Rhoda Dakar played an important part in the shaping of a woman's role in ska.
Join us at this year's Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival to hear Dakar bring the up-tempo vibes!
linktr.ee/rhodadakar
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American protest singer Crys Matthews recorded a special performance for the 2021 online Festival & now she's joining us in person! She is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers.
Crys recently won the IFMA award for Song of the Year 2021.
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Incoming! We have a revamped stash of radical books available, including the gem "Striking a Light" by the inimitable @LouiseRawAuthor. Read the story of the matchwomen and how their often overlooked strike actually shaped our movement.
tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/prod…
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Join us next week as we uncover the many stories being told by the best radical libraries in our movement.
With @TUC_Library @MarxLibrary @wcmlibrary
Wed 9 Dec at 7pm
zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_…
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Trade unionists dont get rained out. This year might remind us of some particularly wet picket lines, though! We are expecting gale force wind tomorrow so make sure you are bringing all your best waterproofs and plenty of tent pegs. Gazebos are discouraged.
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Yes! It's the Cardiff Central team @JoStevensLabour @jsetch @mjsetchy @EmlynJP @Ryanbrrtt @jewsonDan @carmie2012
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Caty and Jo at #TolpuddleFest explain how we should talk to younger workers about unions. #summerpatrol @TUCYorksHumber
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Our main event is our big procession on Sunday. Picture thousands of unions and campaign groups, banners held high, marching through the village tomusic and chanting - all to commemorate the courage of our Tolpuddle Martyrs. Will you bring the best banner this year?
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Our last debate of the day is a fantastic one. Rousing, inspiring and with so much for us to do.
Watch it LIVE now or from the beginning right here: piped.video/watch?v=T3HdQZXD…
@CookieBaloo @PatrickR_NASUWT @shavtaj and Henrietta Nicolet from @up_dorset @AntiRacismDay
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If you're only just joining us, head over to our Facebook group
facebook.com/groups/tolpuddl…
where you can watch the Festival LIVE from the comfort of your
> house 🏠
> garden 🌳
> bedroom 🛏
>or even bathroom....🚽🤨
(probably best not tell us where.)
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The Festival may be over but we're still flying our banners for the Martyrs.
So pop over to Tolpuddle this summer and say hello to our friendly team in the museum and shop.
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Did you know that every year, in addition to our Festival, we run a Radical History School from the Thurs-Sat inclusive? It's a one of a kind opportunity to learn all about the movement. They don't teach this in schools!
Sign up at loom.ly/27fqEHY
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SO much is happening this weekend for #Tolpuddle2021
Check out the full programme from Friday through to Sunday.
You'll be spoilt for choice.
tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/fest…
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A fantastic video, for a fantastic festival (if we do say so ourselves).
#TOLPUDDLE2020
tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/fest…
Each summer we celebrate our proud labour movement history at rural trade union festivals. @TolpuddleFest is one of the highlights and this weekend we'll be joining online.
Watch our new 📽️ with @LenMcCluskey on what this #SummerOfSolidarity means to us 🔽
#Tolpuddle2020
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We're about to START soon!!
See what we've got planned from 3pm (with plenty of surprises along the way... 😉
#Tolpuddle2020
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Tories launch biggest attack on workers' rights in 30 years - this is why #Tolpuddle is so important. We must resist usilive.org/the-nazis-banned…
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Speaker update: Mick Lynch is now joining the "Winning Solidarity at Work" session at 11:00 AM tomorrow, in addition to the "Cut Carbon Not Public Transit" panel.
Unfortunately Mick isn't able to stay for the Sunday, so if you really want to see him make sure you come tomorrow!
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Thank you to everyone who made this year's festival a great one. From the organisers back stage, to the bands, singers and speakers, and to the wonderful audiences across the world tuning in.
Watch it all again > piped.video/c/TolpuddleMarty…
See you next year👏✊
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Check this out; its impressive. We heard their rehearsal last night and almost called security on an altercation. Convincing acting! 😅
Coming to the Tolpuddle Festival for one night only. Another chance to see the Six Men of Tolpuddle in its most iconic setting. Come to the Solidarity Tent on Friday 19 July. 18:00 – 20:00. Not to be missed.
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Working people can win. The struggle for justice endures.
Stay strong on the picket lines; and join us in July for our annual celebration of solidarity and workers' power.
Ticket sales start on April 1. See you there.
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Peat and Diesel will take you on a journey to the heart of the Western Isles, where #peatlemania was born. They bring a mix of folk, punk and rock, with added tongue-in-cheek lyrics about island life.
Don't miss Peat and Diesel at the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival Sunday afternoon
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Even though we're online for this year's #tolpuddlefest, we're still bringing you firm festival favourites.
Including our commemorative PROCESSION to the Martyrs LIVE from 2pm this SUNDAY.
Watch LIVE on facebook, youtube, or our website
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Today our festival organisers are joining the TUC demo in London alongside many thousands of trade unionists and friends. The Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival celebrates the power of resistance; now we must continue to resist & stand up to the ongoing crush on our living conditions.
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We're joining the #RefillRevolution at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
So don't forget to bring your refillable water bottles and help us reduce single-use plastic.
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Nobody knows quite what will happen in the Fringe Tent on Saturday night with no PA, no lighting and no running order; but something special always does. Headline acts mix with walk-ups and festival regulars to perform completely unplugged; be prepared to expect the unexpected.
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The Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival is back in person this year, and more vibrant than ever!
We have an impressive lineup of music, speakers, and activities for you; you won't want to miss it.
Tickets, camping passes, and parking passes are available on tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk
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Tolpuddle Unplugged is the festival’s best kept secret 🤫
Nobody knows quite what will happen in the Fringe Tent on Saturday night, not even the hosts of this stage with no PA, no lighting and no running order!
You never know who might turn up to sing a song or two 😉🎸
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When we asked Cable Street Collective to provide us with a bio, they simply told us they offered "music that makes you want to dance your arse off!"
The band take their name from the Battle of Cable Street, the anti-fascist demonstration in 1936.
Catch them at Tolpuddle on Friday
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With just four days to go til #Tolpuddle2021, we've linked up with @pplsassembly and @UnionFreedom to bring you an awesome line-up of speakers.
Live on Facebook, Youtube or tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/fest…
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On Friday don't miss Deux Furieuses, two rebel soul mates on a mission to comment on the world around them, with a unique and energising brand of uncompromising politically charged rock.
Friday, Martyrs' Marquee, 21.30
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Save the date: our ticket sales open this Saturday, April 1! Our festival is the watering hole of the trade union movement, so if you've been on strike this year or want to organise your workplace, and are looking to share ideas, engage, and unwind, don't miss out. 14-16 July.
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This fantastic group of women speakers will join us on FRIDAY to discuss PROTEST and fighting for stronger and better WORKERS RIGHTS .
@LauraPidcock @shavtaj @jokbristol @LindseyAGerman @JaneMcAlevey
#Tolpuddle2020
Watch LIVE here facebook.com/groups/tolpuddl…
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Check out our newsletter: full of helpful advice to get you ready for the return of the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival. Doors are in just two hours and we can't wait to welcome you back! mailchi.mp/tuc/swjuly-434059…
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Is your union branch, trades council, or other group putting on a coach to Tolpuddle this year? Let us know so we can feature you on our site at tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/coac…. We'd love to help you get bookings.
Thank you for all that you do to bring working people together!
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On Sunday 21st we are delighted to welcome @UniteTheUnion General Secretary @UniteSharon to the main stage! Sharon Graham is a fierce committed leader of our movement and has been seen on thousands of picket lines since her election; don't miss her historic speech at Tolpuddle.
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