Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and Rally 2005

Organised by the TUC, this festival is mostly free.
Friday night includes the Opening Night Party hosted by Graham ‘Tolpuddle Man ’ Moore with Seize The Day, from 7pm in the Martyrs’ Marquee.

Saturday brings speakers in the afternoon from 1pm and in the evening from 7pm, a Workers’ Playtime Cabaret hosted By Leon Rosselson and Robb Johnson, with compere Bernard Puckett. Special guests include Frankie Armstrong, Des De Moor, Lorraine Bowen, Ian Saville - The Marxist Magician, And Russel Churney with The Muddy Funksters headlining.(Tickets £10 from the South West TUC or at the festival). Also from 9pm onwards DJ Sam Marsh in Henry's Beard Cafe. There will be sessions in the bar, workshops and discussion groups all day plus ethical trading and kids' activities.

Sunday includes a music workshop from 11am with Magic Drum Community Rhythm Circle under the guidance of Dorchester’s Lightning Head live band, story-telling with Barry Wilson, a bouncy castle, and face painting. There's an afternoon parade of union banners through the village with bands (Red Notes (Bristol’s Socialist Choir); Eleanor Mcevoy; Moishe’s Bagel; Portishead Town Band; Billy Bragg; Graham Moore; and Dhol drummers) after the laying of wreaths on James Hammett in St John’s Church. In the Martyrs’ Marquee, compere Harry Hawkins will be introducing both local and national acts including Puddletown St. Mary's Middle School with the Tolpuddle Play; Red Dirt; political roots music from Russ and Ian; Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll; Dotstar; The Dead Plants; Dr.Stomp and Prof.Oz; and The Sidekicks.
At 5pm there will be a Martyrs’ Day Service at The Methodist Chapel in Tolpuddle with a guest preacher.

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