Dorset's Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2021 goes online this weekend
Safety concerns mean organisers don't want to risk it this summer
For the second year running the popular Tolpuddle Martyr's Festival 2021 will be going ahead but online this weekend. (16 - 18 July 2021)
Government restrictions are still in place this weekend so organisers are live streaming the festival for free on their website, Facebook and YouTube channel.
Building on last year's successful virtual event, this year's festival will be filmed live from the Tolpuddle 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.
WHAT'S THE FESTIVAL ABOUT?
The popular 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.
WHAT'S GOING ON?
On Friday - A broad range of debates on topics including:
- Change rarely comes without protest
- All change for food production
- Slavery justice
- Resetting the world of work
- Union priorities for the climate
- Tackling racism
As ever, the Festival will showcase up and coming musicians and established artists such as singer-songwriter Emily Capell, cult music legend Beans on Toast, Bristol-based musician NGAIO, as well as international artists from the United States.
The Sunday event will Key notes speakers from across the union movement including Frances O'Grady, TUC General Secretary and Gail Cartmail, TUC President.
The Festival will also benefit from two rallies and marches as organisers join forces with Stand Up to Racism, and CARICOM to campaign for slavery justice.
Organisers of the Festival 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 Tolpuddle. We are still very excited for this year.
"We 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 the UK and global labour movement."
"We truly can't wait to welcome everyone back for what we hope will be a bigger, bolder party and Festival next year in 2022.
"So whilst we keep our fingers crossed, this year will not disappoint. It's our most dynamic event yet."
Find out how to watch on the Tolpuddle Martyrs website.