Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
- Friday 18 July 2025
This annual festival where thousands of people come together to celebrate trade unionism and remember the role of the Tolpuddle Martyrs offers a full programme of traditional and contemporary music and other attractions.
There has been an annual gathering to mark the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs since 1930s. The event sees thousands of trade unionists from around the UK and the world descend on the small village in Dorset to celebrate the memory and legacy of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
Tolpuddle 2025
The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival isn’t run like a commercial festival and relies upon volunteers and the generosity of unions and allies. It doesn’t make a profit and the TUC covers the deficit. As the festival has grown to include a large variety of activities, the organisers have introduced affordable tickets. The organisers remain committed to ensuring this festival is accessible to working class families and trade unionists. The cost depends on when people arrive, whether they camp, stay in local accommodation or just come for a short day visit. The organisers offer discount rates for children, with free weekend entry for children under five.
If you are coming for the Friday and/or Saturday entertainment, you must have a valid weekend entry wristband. And if you are camping, camping and/or parking passes need to be purchased in addition to the wristband(s).
With the large rally and march on Sunday, the organisers remain committed to keeping this vibrant part of the festival free to attend but visitors will be charged a small (approx £15) fee for parking if coming with their own vehicle. Sunday Shuttle Buses are also available for Sunday day-guests to book. Please respect the Festival and safety of the local community by using the car parks. The organisers work closely with villagers and the security team to prevent people from parking on the narrow lane verges.
Full highlights of what’s on at Tolpuddle 2025 to come
- Up to date details from the main Tolpuddle Martyrs festival event website will appear closer to the time of the event.
What was on at the Unite Marquee
Those that came down to the Unite Marquee over the weekend were not disappointed! From top quality, stylish giveaways, to helpful advice and information, Unite had some thought provoking debates as well as some real trade union ground-breaking firsts!
Unite proudly brought a weekend which includes toe-tapping, glass raising, mind-changing events – all paying homage to the great Martyrs and which we hope everyone enjoyed as much as the team organising the marquee.
Saturday 20 July
11:15 – 12:30 Rural Women in Rebellion session – The battles, the victories | Featuring women’s stories of struggle against the odds
13:00 – 14:00 Bristol Bus Boycott Pioneer Interview | Featuring an interview with the Pioneers of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott including Joyce Morris-Wisdom with Lorraine Gibbs Regional Women’s Officer, Charm McFarlane Young Member, and the Southwest regional BAEM committee.
14:15 – 16:15 Migrant Workers – the truth and the celebration | Featuring Jersey Channel Islands workers, Chris Kaufman, Unite Migrant Construction workers, and Dave and Istvan our Drag Queens on Roma circle folk dance.
17:00 – 18:00 Live Music from FMI Clatters | From classic pop through comedy, and shanties, you’ll hear them all delivered in Nigel ‘Clatter’s’ Clatworthy inimitable style.
Sunday 21 July
9:45 – 10:45 Social Security is a Trade Union Issue (workshop) | With Angela Duerden Unite Executive Council member for women, Fran Heathcote general secretary of PCS, and Paul Fleming general secretary of Equity