Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and Rally 2014

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 18th to Sunday 20thJuly 2014.

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

Friday: The Hurriers, Playmaker, Wlllowen, Kidnap Alice, and headliner Stompin' Dave's Bluegrass Band

Saturday: Asha Faria Vare, Steve White, Gris Gris, Gentle Men, The Stanfields, and headliner Soothsayers

Sunday: Robb Johnson, Namvula, Louise Distras, Union Jill, Red Notes Choir, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott, The Men They Couldn't Hang, Tatty Smart MC, East Creek Union, Joe Solo, Rita Payne, The Standfield Brother,s Rachel and Robin, Lazibyrd, and Cruel Folk.

Plus Musicians’ Union Great Western Marching Jazz Band RMT Brass Band (Fishburn) NASUWT marching band UNISON Samba Ban.

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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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.
Weekend Festival pass: £25 per adult
Children under five: Free
Children 5-15: £5
Camping tag: £15 per tent
Camper van tag: £30
Gazebo tag: £15
Friday only: £10
Saturday only: £15
Parking: £5 for weekend pass-holders, £10 on Sunday.

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 priced at £15, a campervan tag is priced at £25.

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. 

Also at Tolpuddle

The Village Hall on Friday will host 'Wrong 'un' by Red Ladder Theatre Company a one-woman suffragette musical performed by Ella Harris, written by Boff Whalley and directed by Justin Audibert. Saturday offers the Campaign stall-holders and others have a chance to explain why they are at Tolpuddle, there's a full programme of discussion and debate in the Martyrs' Marquee and Tolpuddle Fringe tent, and the annual Tolpuddle's got talent competition happening outside. Sunday has the march, speeches including Nigel Costley, Frances O'Grady, Rosie MacGregor and Mohammad Taj, and POA Freedom Hike from Dorchester to Tolpuddle Plus Guided Walks about the village, and kid's stuff happening all weekend

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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