2017 Festival and Rally   Friday 14th July to Sunday 16th July 

 

On February 24th, 1834, six farm labourers from the Dorset village of Tolpuddle were arrested on a charge of taking part in an `illegal oath` ceremony. In the eyes of their masters, however, the real offence was that they had dared to form a trade union to defend their livelihood. For this they were sentenced to seven years transportation to the penal colonies of Australia. The sentences provoked an immense outcry, leading to the first great mass trade union protest. The campaign won free pardons and the Martyrs` return to England. A historic episode in the struggle for trade unionists` rights in Great Britain

To commemorate the bravery of the martyrs` struggle against poverty and authority, this annual festival features music, speakers and family entertainment

 

SUNDAY RALLY
 If you are planning to come to Tolpuddle just for the day there is no admission charge. The only cost will be park your car in the main TUC car park.

FESTIVAL
everyone coming to the Festival (except for the Sunday Rally Day) will need to have purchased a wrist band to gain entry. Tickets on sale from April 2013

also see history of Wolverhampton’s tin-plate workers transported in 1819, before the Tolpuddle Martyrs, for the crime of forming a trade union.

Getting there
If you can, use public transport. The shuttle bus to and from Dorchester station 
Car share: go to the Tolpuddle web site to see how.
Take a coach: see if a coach is running from your area on the Tolpuddle web site. www.tuc.org.uk/tolpuddle

When you arrive
Cut waste and re-cycle. Check out the environmental campaigning stalls. 
There will be even more recycling bins this year.
Stall holders have been advised to use bio-degradable cutlery, plates and cups. Buy a souvenir beer glass and use it over and over again. Only bio-degradable balloons will be permitted.

Cottages and Museum
The buildings have had their insulation upgraded and energy efficient lights fitted. Solar panels should be heating the water in time for the festival.

Greening Workplaces
Trades unions can transform the way we live and work by finding volunteers in work places and training them to champion ways to cut waste and save energy. The South West TUC has won a big grant from the South West Regional Development Agency to lead a new drive for action in workplaces across the region. This fits with a national project supported by Carbon Trust.

Campaigning for change
Unions are part of the global campaign for action to protect the environment.

Camping
 Advanced booking with the South West TUC is strongly advised. You can buy online www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk

We cannot take late arrivals after 11pm. No cars will be allowed on the camping area. No caravans. Space is very tight, pitches are allocated on arrival so if planning to camp in groups please arrive together. We are going to try to have a family area this year. Hot showers.

Great value, hot breakfasts, cooked by local villagers, available.

Accommodation and Information 
www.westdorset.com 01305 267992

Getting to Tolpuddle
Follow signs from the A35 to the car parks. For campers and those unable to cope with a short walk, enter from the west of the village. For the main festival car park, enter from the east and turn right in the centre of the village. View online map

Car share scheme: Need a lift to the Festival or can you offer someone a lift? Register your details at www.Freewheelers.com/Tolpuddle_Martyrs_Festival

Train – Take the train to Dorchester or park and ride. Bus from Dorchester South on Sunday return from Tolpuddle

Food and drink
Enjoy local beer and cider from the Workers’ Beer Company bar; local organic food from Henry’s Beard and a wide range of catering including a group of stalls from Dorchester Farmers’ Market.

Stalls and more
In and around the Martyrs Marque will be more stalls selling ideas as well as goods.

The Martyrs’ Museum
Don’t miss visiting the shop and museum. Souvenirs will also be on sale on the TUC stall. The buildings have had their insulation upgraded and energy efficient lights fitted. Solar panels should be heating the water in time for the festival.

Village Trail
Take a stroll through the village to see where the Martyrs lived, worshiped and organised.

South West TUC
Church House, Church Road, Filton, Bristol BS34 7BD
0117 947 0521 southwest@tuc.org.uk