Tolpuddle's Martyrs Inn reopening during Festival
Hundreds of people are marking the annual events in the village
The annual Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival is underway in the Dorset village, including the reopening of local pub, the Martyr's Inn.
The Trades Union Congress organises annual events there, to mark an 'integral piece of Dorset’s heritage and culture'.
It celebrates the pardoning and return of the Tolpuddle Martyrs on the back of an historic grassroots campaign - the group were criminalised for forming a trade union in the 1830s.
This year's Festival includes over 30 debates and workshops, on subjects like the cost-of-living crisis, education, and the NHS amongst others.
TUC Regional Secretary Ines Lage said:
“In the middle of economic and financial crises, working people, their families and trade unions have taken centre stage as they fight for fairer and better terms and treatment.
“Hundreds of thousands of workers have been driven to taking industrial action. Many for the first time ever.
“The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival is a place for working people to share their stories, build strength and solidarity, whilst relaxing and letting off some steam with their friends and families.
“Every year people share that this Festival recharges them and gives hope through struggle. This year is no different. Trades unions are ultimately networks of support and solidarity. The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival celebrates what our movement has accomplished so far and revives us for the year to come.”
The Martyrs’ Inn pub also reopens today, after being closed since the Covid pandemic.
A community campaign by local people and long-term Festival supporters, including a contribution from the Trades Union Congress, has helped to get it back open.