Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival
@tolpuddlefest.bsky.social
All about the Tolpuddle Martyrs - their story, their legacy and how we celebrate it every year.
18-20 July 2025
18-20 July 2025
Pinned
Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival 2025 will take place on 18-20 July.
Save the dates! Tickets will go on sale in the spring.
Save the dates! Tickets will go on sale in the spring.
This time tomorrow we march through Tolpuddle. The procession is the core of our festival and a celebration of our movement and strength.
Which banner are you marching under this year?
The young workers' space has a graffiti wall that will turn into a banner - pop on down and add your artwork😎
Which banner are you marching under this year?
The young workers' space has a graffiti wall that will turn into a banner - pop on down and add your artwork😎
July 19, 2025 at 1:02 PM
This time tomorrow we march through Tolpuddle. The procession is the core of our festival and a celebration of our movement and strength.
Which banner are you marching under this year?
The young workers' space has a graffiti wall that will turn into a banner - pop on down and add your artwork😎
Which banner are you marching under this year?
The young workers' space has a graffiti wall that will turn into a banner - pop on down and add your artwork😎
The Unite marquee is looking fierce this weekend, kicking it off in 1h30 with a performance by the one and only Robb Johnson!
Check out Saturday's visit to Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester, a unique and special offering.
Check out Saturday's visit to Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester, a unique and special offering.
July 18, 2025 at 2:25 PM
The Unite marquee is looking fierce this weekend, kicking it off in 1h30 with a performance by the one and only Robb Johnson!
Check out Saturday's visit to Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester, a unique and special offering.
Check out Saturday's visit to Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester, a unique and special offering.
IMPORTANT: We have secured and released additional shuttle bus tickets for Sunday returns to Dorchester. These are in short supply and we expect them to go quickly - if you were hoping to stay later, please grab yours!
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/tickets/shut...
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/tickets/shut...
Sunday Shuttle Bus Tickets | Shuttle Bus Tickets | Tolpuddle Martyrs
Sunday Shuttle Bus Tickets – each journey charged at £4. All times scheduled below are subject to change based on Summer Rail Schedule, published in May. Limited seats available. No […]
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk
July 18, 2025 at 11:03 AM
IMPORTANT: We have secured and released additional shuttle bus tickets for Sunday returns to Dorchester. These are in short supply and we expect them to go quickly - if you were hoping to stay later, please grab yours!
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/tickets/shut...
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/tickets/shut...
🌅 GOOD MORNING, TOLPUDDLE!
The marquees are waiting for you. Tents are going up. Tea’s brewing. Caterers are on site.
And our gates are officially OPEN!
Come early, stay late—this is where our movement lives.
#Tolpuddle2025 #WelcomeIn
The marquees are waiting for you. Tents are going up. Tea’s brewing. Caterers are on site.
And our gates are officially OPEN!
Come early, stay late—this is where our movement lives.
#Tolpuddle2025 #WelcomeIn
July 18, 2025 at 9:02 AM
🌅 GOOD MORNING, TOLPUDDLE!
The marquees are waiting for you. Tents are going up. Tea’s brewing. Caterers are on site.
And our gates are officially OPEN!
Come early, stay late—this is where our movement lives.
#Tolpuddle2025 #WelcomeIn
The marquees are waiting for you. Tents are going up. Tea’s brewing. Caterers are on site.
And our gates are officially OPEN!
Come early, stay late—this is where our movement lives.
#Tolpuddle2025 #WelcomeIn
Our doors open tomorrow!
Tag your festival buddy! Who’s your ride-or-die Tolpuddle partner? The one who reminds you to reapply sunscreen, shares their snacks, or drags you to the late-night music?
Who are you most looking forward to catching up with tomorrow?
Tag your festival buddy! Who’s your ride-or-die Tolpuddle partner? The one who reminds you to reapply sunscreen, shares their snacks, or drags you to the late-night music?
Who are you most looking forward to catching up with tomorrow?
July 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Our doors open tomorrow!
Tag your festival buddy! Who’s your ride-or-die Tolpuddle partner? The one who reminds you to reapply sunscreen, shares their snacks, or drags you to the late-night music?
Who are you most looking forward to catching up with tomorrow?
Tag your festival buddy! Who’s your ride-or-die Tolpuddle partner? The one who reminds you to reapply sunscreen, shares their snacks, or drags you to the late-night music?
Who are you most looking forward to catching up with tomorrow?
DILEMMA: Which Saturday 3 PM session will YOU choose?
AI vs. Workers - Martyrs’ Marquee
Boss-Busting - Solidarity Tent
Fighting the Far Right - Unizone
Stop Arming Israel - Fringe Tent (3:30 PM)
Surviving Trump 2.0 - International Tent (3:30 PM)
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival/wha...
AI vs. Workers - Martyrs’ Marquee
Boss-Busting - Solidarity Tent
Fighting the Far Right - Unizone
Stop Arming Israel - Fringe Tent (3:30 PM)
Surviving Trump 2.0 - International Tent (3:30 PM)
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival/wha...
July 17, 2025 at 10:02 AM
DILEMMA: Which Saturday 3 PM session will YOU choose?
AI vs. Workers - Martyrs’ Marquee
Boss-Busting - Solidarity Tent
Fighting the Far Right - Unizone
Stop Arming Israel - Fringe Tent (3:30 PM)
Surviving Trump 2.0 - International Tent (3:30 PM)
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival/wha...
AI vs. Workers - Martyrs’ Marquee
Boss-Busting - Solidarity Tent
Fighting the Far Right - Unizone
Stop Arming Israel - Fringe Tent (3:30 PM)
Surviving Trump 2.0 - International Tent (3:30 PM)
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival/wha...
SATURDAY IN THE ORGANISE TENT
A) STAND UP TO BAILIFFS: 10:30 AM | ACORN
B) SLAY OR SWAY: 11:45 AM | Jenn Forbes on intervention
C) WOMEN WORKERS DOWN UNDER: 1:30 PM
D) GET ORGANISED!: 2:45 PM
E) FREELANCERS UNITE: 4:00 PM
Comment your pick—or admit you’ll be camped here all day!
A) STAND UP TO BAILIFFS: 10:30 AM | ACORN
B) SLAY OR SWAY: 11:45 AM | Jenn Forbes on intervention
C) WOMEN WORKERS DOWN UNDER: 1:30 PM
D) GET ORGANISED!: 2:45 PM
E) FREELANCERS UNITE: 4:00 PM
Comment your pick—or admit you’ll be camped here all day!
July 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
SATURDAY IN THE ORGANISE TENT
A) STAND UP TO BAILIFFS: 10:30 AM | ACORN
B) SLAY OR SWAY: 11:45 AM | Jenn Forbes on intervention
C) WOMEN WORKERS DOWN UNDER: 1:30 PM
D) GET ORGANISED!: 2:45 PM
E) FREELANCERS UNITE: 4:00 PM
Comment your pick—or admit you’ll be camped here all day!
A) STAND UP TO BAILIFFS: 10:30 AM | ACORN
B) SLAY OR SWAY: 11:45 AM | Jenn Forbes on intervention
C) WOMEN WORKERS DOWN UNDER: 1:30 PM
D) GET ORGANISED!: 2:45 PM
E) FREELANCERS UNITE: 4:00 PM
Comment your pick—or admit you’ll be camped here all day!
UNIzone this year features: Unity in action! Uniting around trade union values and combatting the rise of the far right.
Check out this beautiful programme brought to us by @UNISON.
Check out this beautiful programme brought to us by @UNISON.
July 16, 2025 at 10:53 AM
UNIzone this year features: Unity in action! Uniting around trade union values and combatting the rise of the far right.
Check out this beautiful programme brought to us by @UNISON.
Check out this beautiful programme brought to us by @UNISON.
Festival pet peeves—what’s yours?
Queue jumpers? People who talk during speeches? Forgetting where you pitched your tent? Or when your two favourite speakers are on at the same time in different tents?
Queue jumpers? People who talk during speeches? Forgetting where you pitched your tent? Or when your two favourite speakers are on at the same time in different tents?
July 16, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Festival pet peeves—what’s yours?
Queue jumpers? People who talk during speeches? Forgetting where you pitched your tent? Or when your two favourite speakers are on at the same time in different tents?
Queue jumpers? People who talk during speeches? Forgetting where you pitched your tent? Or when your two favourite speakers are on at the same time in different tents?
How do workers organise for justice in dire conditions of war and dictatorship? Let first-hand accounts from Syria and Sudan be your guide on this painful and crucial exploration of how we show solidarity with our siblings across the world while also learning from them.
July 15, 2025 at 4:52 PM
How do workers organise for justice in dire conditions of war and dictatorship? Let first-hand accounts from Syria and Sudan be your guide on this painful and crucial exploration of how we show solidarity with our siblings across the world while also learning from them.
Which Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival food stall are you?
A) Vegan pie enthusiast
B) Coffee addict
C) Purbeck ice cream no matter the weather
D) ‘I packed my own snacks’
E) Greasy food, and Workers Beer all evening
We've got something for everyone this year: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/food-and-drink
A) Vegan pie enthusiast
B) Coffee addict
C) Purbeck ice cream no matter the weather
D) ‘I packed my own snacks’
E) Greasy food, and Workers Beer all evening
We've got something for everyone this year: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/food-and-drink
July 15, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Which Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival food stall are you?
A) Vegan pie enthusiast
B) Coffee addict
C) Purbeck ice cream no matter the weather
D) ‘I packed my own snacks’
E) Greasy food, and Workers Beer all evening
We've got something for everyone this year: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/food-and-drink
A) Vegan pie enthusiast
B) Coffee addict
C) Purbeck ice cream no matter the weather
D) ‘I packed my own snacks’
E) Greasy food, and Workers Beer all evening
We've got something for everyone this year: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/food-and-drink
💡 "What if workers actually ran the world?"
Hear from TUC’s Kate Bell, FBU's Steve Wright, and grassroots campaigners as they blueprint a future where workers' power wins. Spoiler: It starts at Tolpuddle - just like the movement did.
📅 Sat 19 July, 10:15 AM | Fringe Tent
Hear from TUC’s Kate Bell, FBU's Steve Wright, and grassroots campaigners as they blueprint a future where workers' power wins. Spoiler: It starts at Tolpuddle - just like the movement did.
📅 Sat 19 July, 10:15 AM | Fringe Tent
July 15, 2025 at 11:02 AM
💡 "What if workers actually ran the world?"
Hear from TUC’s Kate Bell, FBU's Steve Wright, and grassroots campaigners as they blueprint a future where workers' power wins. Spoiler: It starts at Tolpuddle - just like the movement did.
📅 Sat 19 July, 10:15 AM | Fringe Tent
Hear from TUC’s Kate Bell, FBU's Steve Wright, and grassroots campaigners as they blueprint a future where workers' power wins. Spoiler: It starts at Tolpuddle - just like the movement did.
📅 Sat 19 July, 10:15 AM | Fringe Tent
Festival essentials: What’s on your must-bring list?
We said:
- Ines: sun cream, mascara, face cream. Does my child count?
- Tanya: my water bottle! Also my mascara. My excel spreadsheets.
- Sadie: lots of shoes. My guitar, but then I never end up playing it. And my Palestine earrings.
We said:
- Ines: sun cream, mascara, face cream. Does my child count?
- Tanya: my water bottle! Also my mascara. My excel spreadsheets.
- Sadie: lots of shoes. My guitar, but then I never end up playing it. And my Palestine earrings.
July 14, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Festival essentials: What’s on your must-bring list?
We said:
- Ines: sun cream, mascara, face cream. Does my child count?
- Tanya: my water bottle! Also my mascara. My excel spreadsheets.
- Sadie: lots of shoes. My guitar, but then I never end up playing it. And my Palestine earrings.
We said:
- Ines: sun cream, mascara, face cream. Does my child count?
- Tanya: my water bottle! Also my mascara. My excel spreadsheets.
- Sadie: lots of shoes. My guitar, but then I never end up playing it. And my Palestine earrings.
NOBODY EXPECTS… MORRIS DANCERS WITH A MISSION!
💃🦊 Drumming. Pagan rebellion. Protest anthems. This is folk tradition turned resistance—costumes that scream "climate emergency", dances that honour workers’ struggles.
📅 SAT 19 JULY | 12:30 PM
📍 Solidarity Tent
⚡ Look out for pop-ups all weekend!
💃🦊 Drumming. Pagan rebellion. Protest anthems. This is folk tradition turned resistance—costumes that scream "climate emergency", dances that honour workers’ struggles.
📅 SAT 19 JULY | 12:30 PM
📍 Solidarity Tent
⚡ Look out for pop-ups all weekend!
July 14, 2025 at 12:02 PM
NOBODY EXPECTS… MORRIS DANCERS WITH A MISSION!
💃🦊 Drumming. Pagan rebellion. Protest anthems. This is folk tradition turned resistance—costumes that scream "climate emergency", dances that honour workers’ struggles.
📅 SAT 19 JULY | 12:30 PM
📍 Solidarity Tent
⚡ Look out for pop-ups all weekend!
💃🦊 Drumming. Pagan rebellion. Protest anthems. This is folk tradition turned resistance—costumes that scream "climate emergency", dances that honour workers’ struggles.
📅 SAT 19 JULY | 12:30 PM
📍 Solidarity Tent
⚡ Look out for pop-ups all weekend!
With one week to go, we want to hear your favourite memories of Tolpuddle!
Meaningful, funny, shocking, rolling down the hill - tell us your stories, we might feature them 😉
Meaningful, funny, shocking, rolling down the hill - tell us your stories, we might feature them 😉
July 13, 2025 at 3:01 PM
With one week to go, we want to hear your favourite memories of Tolpuddle!
Meaningful, funny, shocking, rolling down the hill - tell us your stories, we might feature them 😉
Meaningful, funny, shocking, rolling down the hill - tell us your stories, we might feature them 😉
🔥 TOLPUDDLE 2025 KICKOFF: The Fight for Workers' Rights Starts Here!
"From New Deal to New Laws" – Join firebrand union leaders and campaigners for the festival's opening debate.
FRI 18 JULY | 5:30 PM
Fringe Tent
BE THERE as the fightback begins ➡️ buff.ly/pjMUhDw
"From New Deal to New Laws" – Join firebrand union leaders and campaigners for the festival's opening debate.
FRI 18 JULY | 5:30 PM
Fringe Tent
BE THERE as the fightback begins ➡️ buff.ly/pjMUhDw
July 13, 2025 at 12:01 PM
🔥 TOLPUDDLE 2025 KICKOFF: The Fight for Workers' Rights Starts Here!
"From New Deal to New Laws" – Join firebrand union leaders and campaigners for the festival's opening debate.
FRI 18 JULY | 5:30 PM
Fringe Tent
BE THERE as the fightback begins ➡️ buff.ly/pjMUhDw
"From New Deal to New Laws" – Join firebrand union leaders and campaigners for the festival's opening debate.
FRI 18 JULY | 5:30 PM
Fringe Tent
BE THERE as the fightback begins ➡️ buff.ly/pjMUhDw
Trade unionists are about equality, equity and solidarity.
Last year we launched our Menstruation Station - a space to wash up with dignity and comfort, stocked with everything you need.
We've got you.
Last year we launched our Menstruation Station - a space to wash up with dignity and comfort, stocked with everything you need.
We've got you.
July 12, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Trade unionists are about equality, equity and solidarity.
Last year we launched our Menstruation Station - a space to wash up with dignity and comfort, stocked with everything you need.
We've got you.
Last year we launched our Menstruation Station - a space to wash up with dignity and comfort, stocked with everything you need.
We've got you.
Have you seen the weather forecast for next weekend? It's high of 25° and sunny - pack your sun cream, sun hat, sunglasses, and your best beach holiday clothes and come grab a cool pint with your comrades 🌞 🌳 🕊️
July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Have you seen the weather forecast for next weekend? It's high of 25° and sunny - pack your sun cream, sun hat, sunglasses, and your best beach holiday clothes and come grab a cool pint with your comrades 🌞 🌳 🕊️
Two types of Tolpuddle Festival-goers:
Planners: they grab their programme, trawl through the website weeks in advance, and schedule out every moment of their time on site.
Improvisers: they move through the festival, duck their heads in to marquees and take in the vibe.
Which one are you?
Planners: they grab their programme, trawl through the website weeks in advance, and schedule out every moment of their time on site.
Improvisers: they move through the festival, duck their heads in to marquees and take in the vibe.
Which one are you?
July 10, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Two types of Tolpuddle Festival-goers:
Planners: they grab their programme, trawl through the website weeks in advance, and schedule out every moment of their time on site.
Improvisers: they move through the festival, duck their heads in to marquees and take in the vibe.
Which one are you?
Planners: they grab their programme, trawl through the website weeks in advance, and schedule out every moment of their time on site.
Improvisers: they move through the festival, duck their heads in to marquees and take in the vibe.
Which one are you?
The inimitable Robb Johnson returns to Tolpuddle 2025 as Marquee and Main Stage MC.
Robb is widely recognised as one of the UK’s finest songwriters.
He enjoys playing pubs, clubs, benefits, art centres, picket lines & Tolpuddle Festival.
“An English original”, (Robin Denselow, the Guardian)
Robb is widely recognised as one of the UK’s finest songwriters.
He enjoys playing pubs, clubs, benefits, art centres, picket lines & Tolpuddle Festival.
“An English original”, (Robin Denselow, the Guardian)
May 7, 2025 at 6:01 AM
The inimitable Robb Johnson returns to Tolpuddle 2025 as Marquee and Main Stage MC.
Robb is widely recognised as one of the UK’s finest songwriters.
He enjoys playing pubs, clubs, benefits, art centres, picket lines & Tolpuddle Festival.
“An English original”, (Robin Denselow, the Guardian)
Robb is widely recognised as one of the UK’s finest songwriters.
He enjoys playing pubs, clubs, benefits, art centres, picket lines & Tolpuddle Festival.
“An English original”, (Robin Denselow, the Guardian)
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2025 line-up poster!!
Yet another dynamic and diverse programme of music, comedy, theatre and more ☺️
18th - 20th July in the village of Tolpuddle, Dorset
Tickets and festival info at www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival
#tolpuddlemartyrs #tradeunion #billybragg
Yet another dynamic and diverse programme of music, comedy, theatre and more ☺️
18th - 20th July in the village of Tolpuddle, Dorset
Tickets and festival info at www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival
#tolpuddlemartyrs #tradeunion #billybragg
May 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2025 line-up poster!!
Yet another dynamic and diverse programme of music, comedy, theatre and more ☺️
18th - 20th July in the village of Tolpuddle, Dorset
Tickets and festival info at www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival
#tolpuddlemartyrs #tradeunion #billybragg
Yet another dynamic and diverse programme of music, comedy, theatre and more ☺️
18th - 20th July in the village of Tolpuddle, Dorset
Tickets and festival info at www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival
#tolpuddlemartyrs #tradeunion #billybragg
Announcing our Instagram Prize Draw!
Scoot on over to our Instagram account @tolpuddlemartyrs to find the post. Unlimited entries possible!
Scoot on over to our Instagram account @tolpuddlemartyrs to find the post. Unlimited entries possible!
May 2, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Announcing our Instagram Prize Draw!
Scoot on over to our Instagram account @tolpuddlemartyrs to find the post. Unlimited entries possible!
Scoot on over to our Instagram account @tolpuddlemartyrs to find the post. Unlimited entries possible!
Thrilled to welcome Susie Lewis to Tolpuddle Festival 2025!
Susie Lewis is a singer songwriter and actor from Cornwall, UK. She has worked in theatre, film and television.
Within trade union circles she is best known for her RMT campaign song 'Last Train Home'
www.facebook.com/RMTunion/vid...
Susie Lewis is a singer songwriter and actor from Cornwall, UK. She has worked in theatre, film and television.
Within trade union circles she is best known for her RMT campaign song 'Last Train Home'
www.facebook.com/RMTunion/vid...
May 1, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Thrilled to welcome Susie Lewis to Tolpuddle Festival 2025!
Susie Lewis is a singer songwriter and actor from Cornwall, UK. She has worked in theatre, film and television.
Within trade union circles she is best known for her RMT campaign song 'Last Train Home'
www.facebook.com/RMTunion/vid...
Susie Lewis is a singer songwriter and actor from Cornwall, UK. She has worked in theatre, film and television.
Within trade union circles she is best known for her RMT campaign song 'Last Train Home'
www.facebook.com/RMTunion/vid...
Making the Australian connection at #Tolpuddle even stronger with Award-winning singer-songwriter Peter Vadiveloo on 20th July.
www.petervadiveloo.com.au
Peter has been captivating audiences internationally for over 30 years with his exploration of pressing social justice & environmental issues.
www.petervadiveloo.com.au
Peter has been captivating audiences internationally for over 30 years with his exploration of pressing social justice & environmental issues.
April 30, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Making the Australian connection at #Tolpuddle even stronger with Award-winning singer-songwriter Peter Vadiveloo on 20th July.
www.petervadiveloo.com.au
Peter has been captivating audiences internationally for over 30 years with his exploration of pressing social justice & environmental issues.
www.petervadiveloo.com.au
Peter has been captivating audiences internationally for over 30 years with his exploration of pressing social justice & environmental issues.
#TolpuddleFestival is very pleased to welcome Chris Harrison to the Martyrs Marquee on Sunday 20th July.
chrisharrisonmusic.org
Chris' set at this festival will largely feature his own settings of poems by his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Skipsey (1832-1903), a Northumberland miner.
chrisharrisonmusic.org
Chris' set at this festival will largely feature his own settings of poems by his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Skipsey (1832-1903), a Northumberland miner.
April 29, 2025 at 6:20 PM
#TolpuddleFestival is very pleased to welcome Chris Harrison to the Martyrs Marquee on Sunday 20th July.
chrisharrisonmusic.org
Chris' set at this festival will largely feature his own settings of poems by his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Skipsey (1832-1903), a Northumberland miner.
chrisharrisonmusic.org
Chris' set at this festival will largely feature his own settings of poems by his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Skipsey (1832-1903), a Northumberland miner.