WHILE there won't be a gathering of thousands of people at a Dorset village this weekend, there is a 'dynamic' programme to enjoy as the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival is filmed live so it can be watched online.

With safety concerns and Covid restrictions still in place, the festival will be live streamed and accessible for free once again. This is the second year the event - commemorating the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and celebrating trade unionism - is being held online.

The three-day event is organised by the South West TUC and is usually attended by thousands of visitors from across the world to mark the legacy of six local farmworkers who were punished and transported to Australia after forming a trade union in 1834.

Building on last year’s successful virtual event, this year’s 2021 festival will be filmed live from the village including the wreath-laying and procession in a bid to re-create the 'vibes of the festival' for viewers.

The closed site will be off-limits to members of the public to ensure the safety of organisers and those involved.

From Friday, July 16 to Sunday, July 18 , viewers will experience:

  • A broad range of debates
  • Music from artists including singer-songwriter Emily Capell, cult music legend Beans on Toast, Bristol-based musician NGAIO, as well as international artists from the United States
  • Sunday's event will features keynote speakers from across the union movement
  • Two rallies and marches as organisers join forces with Stand Up to Racism, and CARICOM to campaign for slavery justice

Organisers say while forced to go online, they have been able to experiment with technology. Viewers will be able to watch more of the event than they ordinarily would in the field.

Nigel Costley, TUC Regional Secretary and organiser of the Festival said: “Of course, it’s another huge shame we can’t get together. Again. But with the ongoing health crisis, it was only right to bring the festival back online to ensure the safety of everyone involved as well as those who live in the village.

“Having learnt a lot last year by going digital, it means that we are better prepared and more confident to experiment with live-streaming, including showcasing all the well-known sites from the village."

He added: “We are very excited for this year. We still have a fantastic line-up of bands and musical acts, including a contingent from our friends in the US, as well as interviews, films and topical debates with speakers from right across the UK and global labour movement.”

You can enjoy the festival via

For more information on what’s happening at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, visit www.tolpuddlemartyrs/org.uk/festival