The festival brings together thousands of people every July to celebrate trade unionism and to remember the sacrifice made by the six farm workers of Tolpuddle who were transported to Australia for defending their union rights.
The tiny Dorset village has been a place of pilgrimage for trade unionists and their supporters ever since the martyrs came home in triumph. The festival is a popular mix of political discussion and speeches, great music to suit all tastes and entertainment for all the family, as well as the traditional procession of banners, wreath laying and Methodist service.
Prospect stall
This year Prospect members will be running a stall on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July and carrying the the union’s banner during the procession on Sunday afternoon. All Prospect members and staff are encouraged to attend, take part, enjoy and celebrate our collective movement and achievements.
The event is free on Sunday (£10 parking) or tickets for the whole weekend can be bought on the festival website.
If you are interested in helping out over the weekend, please go to Prospect’s dedicated Facebook page or email Lloyd Collier, Prospect branch secretary at Diamond Light Source, for more information.
Lloyd, along with Prospect organiser Chris Perry, is making arrangements for our presence this year and is looking forward to a fantastic weekend of music, entertainment and debate.
He said: “The response from members to help on the stall has been great, although we could always do with more people to share the work around. Preparations are going well and I’m really looking forward to a great weekend working with and meeting other like-minded trade unionists and their families.”