Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and Rally 2015

In 1834, farms workers formed a trade union, and their story is now part of the development of a free and democratic society. It is celebrated in the small museum in Tolpuddle and at the festival on the weekend of the third Sunday in July with the climax being a march through the village. Organised by the TUC, this festival takes place in the village of Tolpuddle, Dorset and takes place from Friday 17th to Sunday 19thJuly 2015.

The event offers seminars, and talks during the day, and some smaller music spaces, with the main music happening in the afternoons/evenings. On the Sunday there is a large processional march from the festival site to the nearby village of Tolpuddle, followed by a few major music acts and speeches.

Line-up

Acts added to the 2015 line-up so far - Billy Bragg, The Beat, Seth Lakeman, Curtis Eller's American Circus, The Hurriers, Neck, Naomi Bedford featuring Justin Currie, Jonny & The Baptists, Alex Yeandle, Thee Faction, The Victorian Barbers, na-mara, The Tuts, Funke and the Two Tone Baby, Chris T-T and the Hoodrats, Bemis, the darwins, Dana Immanuel and the Stolen Band, and Stick In The Wheel.

Speakers on the Sunday include TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady, TUC president Leslie Manasseh, Angela Eagle MP and Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner.

Expect a weekend of speakers and debates. In and around the Martyrs Marque at the festival there will be stalls selling ideas as alike.

The Sunday welcomes lots more people who come for the day and the grand procession of banners through the village. Wreaths are laid on the grave of Martyr' James Hammett.

Tickets

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An adult weekend pass is £30, a child (aged 5-15 years) ticket is priced at £5. Children aged under 5 can attend for free. A camping tag is priced at £15 per tent, and a camper van tag is £30. A Friday festival pass is£10 per adult, and a Saturday festival pass is £20 per adult. Parking is priced at £5 for weekend pass holders .

The traditional Sunday Rally Day is open to all and free - apart from the parking fee of £10 a vehicle. Please respect the Festival and the local community by using the car parks.

The area for camping is restricted and will fill to capacity. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Camping

No caravans. If you are planning to camp with friends, travel together, as spaces are allocated on arrival. Hot showers and breakfasts are available. No cars on the campsite. Each tent or gazebo needs a tag.

Kids stuff

There's plenty of stuff for young comrades to enjoy. The Woodcraft folk will provide activites, there's also workshops, circus skills, fun games and activities, and there's usually five a side football. 

Car parking

Car parking in the TUC or church car park is priced at around £10 per vehicle on Sunday. Coaches free, drop off and park to the east of the village.

Coaches

The TUC organise coaches to this event, drop off and park to the east of the village.

Shuttle

Tolpuddle shuttle from Dorchester South Station on Friday 7.45pm and Sunday 11.35am returning from Tolpuddle 5.20pm and 6.30pm is priced at £3 each way.

More information will be here when available.

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