MUSICIANS will be singing about social justice in the spot the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried more than 180 years ago.

And kicking off the new programme at the Justice Cafe in Dorchester will be folk star Ewan McLennan.

The Justice Cafe returns to the Shire Hall, the historic Crown Court on High West Street, Dorchester, on Saturday April 18 for a new season of talks and performances that will inform, entertain and engage audiences.

The Georgian courtroom is where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried and held in 1834.

This year’s launch event is a concert from highly acclaimed Scottish folk singer, Ewan McLennan.

Ewan has become known as a troubadour, balladeer and storyteller cut in the old style; a singer that can move audiences with his passion and pathos; and a songwriter for whom social justice is still a burning issue.

He has played the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival, taken part in the Transatlantic Sessions and supported the International Brigades Memorial Trust at events in Britain and Spain. His 2012 album, 'The Last Bird To Sing' resulted in awards, including the Alistair Hulett Memorial Prize for Political Songwriting.

Ewan's songs are deeply rooted in both traditional songs and the tradition of folk music as social commentary, and he is currently putting together a project around the history of political song.

Justice Café Events Organiser, Keith Hatch, said: “We’re really pleased to invite Ewan to perform at the opening event for this year’s Justice Café season.

"Over the coming months we will hold a series of talks and occasional concerts, looking at subjects ranging from human rights to local food, journalism to the Tolpuddle protest.

“We hope people will find them interesting and thought provoking – and Ewan is the perfect way to start. His songs are insightful, beautifully crafted and passionately sung.”

The evening takes place on Saturday, April 18 and doors open at 7.30pm Tickets are £10/£8 members and concessions, and are available in advance from Dorchester Arts.