Free annual community event on Workers’ Day!
doors open 6-45pm @ Gills Bar and Banqueting Jackson St, Whitmore Reans WV6 0QQ
Friday 1st May 2026 On the centenary of the General strike.
all free except the bar!
with Azaad Dhol group, St Brigids, Steve Pottinger and One Love Sound System confirmed
May Day speakers:
Labour councillor Qaiser Azeem St Peter’s ward
Briony Cope, Secretary Birmingham CPB
Bibin K. Joy, Association of Indian Communists Britain and Ireland
Fuelled on stoopid lyrics & funky toones đŸ¤ª
Steve Pottinger is a poet, author, and a founding member of Wolverhampton arts collective Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists. His work has appeared in magazines and anthologies, and he’s a regular contributor to online poetry platforms. follow him on Bluesky
Azaad Dhol group https://www.azaad-arts.co.uk/ has opened our May Day many times over the years. Harjit Singh is a highly respected Punjabi folk music teacher, educator, and workshop leader with
over 40 years of dedicated experience sharing the richness of Punjabi culture through music and
performance. Deeply rooted in the traditions of Punjab, Harjit has devoted his career to preserving
and promoting folk music, instruments, and dance, while making them accessible and engaging for
learners of all ages.
He has worked extensively across schools, colleges, universities, and community organisations,
inspiring generations of students to connect with their cultural heritage and develop a love for
music. As a passionate cultural ambassador, Harjit has played a vital role in fostering intercultural
understanding and community cohesion. His teaching not only nurtures musical skills but also instils
pride, confidence, and a sense of belonging among participants.
One Love International reggae sound system has been a long time supporters of Wolverhampton May 1st events
Wolverhampton branch of the Indian Workers Association(GB) who have helped organise May Day since we re-started it in 1994, produce and serve free a vegetarian meal for all attendees each year.
Labour movement stalls: CND, Palestine Solidarity, UNITE – Unity over Division, Amnesty, Morning Star newspaper, Wolverhampton TUC, YCL/Communist Party, Indian Workers Association and UNISON others to be confirmed
We have a stall each year for free mehndi, commonly known as temporary henna tattoo. Mehndi is a popular form of body art in South Asia festivals and resembles similar traditions of henna as body art found in North Africa, East Africa and the Middle East.
Plus free supervised Bouncy castle for kids.
speakers profiles:
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, is Labour’s Cabinet Member for City Transport and the local councillor for Whitmore Reans (St Peter’s ward)
Briony Cope, Birmingham branch secretary of Communist Party of Britain
Bibin K. Joy of Association of Indian Communists Britain and Ireland
Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC participates in the highly successful Wolverhampton May Day Festival each year since 1994.
It is funded by donations from local trade union branches each year.
If you wish to participate and help build this annual 1st May event, or wish to make a donation to keep it going, then contact us via wolvestuc@gmail.com
event listings
https://www.facebook.com/events/1458495562541563
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1st-may-wolverhamptons-free-may-day-festival-tickets-1985688366357
https://www.wherecanwego.com/item/e1566055
https://www.megaphone.org.uk/events/wolverhampton-s-annual-free-1st-may-workers-day-celebration
https://allevents.in/wolverhampton/free-annual-community-event-on-workers%E2%80%99-day-2026/200029626842740
https://www.ents24.com/festival/1st-may-wolverhamptons-free-may-day-festival/7461815
