A FREE event is being held to celebrate key workers with music, speakers, and more.

Dorset TUC said it is organising the free event in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens on Saturday, July 30, as a thank you to key workers who are keeping the country running through the pandemic and cost of living crisis. The event runs from 10.30am to 5pm and will feature bands, poets, speakers, food and drink along with stalls and more.

Throughout the pandemic union reps have been working with staff, and employers, to ensure a safe working environment, and unions are now campaigning to support workers during the current cost of living crisis.

Music on the day will be provided by bands and musicians including Theo Muzi & Banda, John D Revelator, Shannon White, Dylan Ross, Mustafa Musto and Tijuana - with it all kicking off with Bridport based choir Dorset Red.

As well as music there will be speakers from unions and local campaign groups, including Unite South West regional secretary Steve Preddy and UNISON’s Becky Brookman.

Jenny Lennon-Wood, Dorset TUC secretary, extended a warm welcome to everyone to come along and enjoy themselves on the day.

Ms Lennon-Wood said: “Dorset TUC is holding a free family friendly event that highlights the role of key workers over recent years, and thank them for their work.”

“We are inviting everyone, from across Dorset and beyond, to come along and join us on Saturday for the first Unions’ Summer Celebration.”

John Burbridge from Unite’s Tolpuddle Branch added: “Dorset is the birthplace of rural trade unionism, and what better place to have a free day out to celebrate unions and the role of food workers in keeping the country going throughout the pandemic.”

There will also be some fantastic food available from Claire’s Country Kitchen, along with a fully stocked bar from the Convivial Rabbit, face painting from Diamond Faces and a large snakes and ladders game from Unite Community.

Amanda Brown, Dorset UNISON Branch Secretary said: “The key workers in the NHS, Social Care, Schools, Councils, food sector, transport and other areas have kept Britain running, and we want to celebrate their work, determination and courage with a chance to dance, laugh, be inspired and gather with friends.”

“The Summer Celebration in Borough Gardens will be like a mini Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and a wonderful day, we’d love you to join us.”

The Dorset TUC Unions’ Summer Celebration takes place on Saturday 30th July from 10.30 - 5.00 in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens and free. For information and details contact Jenny Lennon-Wood on rodent.major@btopenworld.com