Hundreds march in parade at Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival

Wreath laying ceremony at the grave of James Hammett at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. 20th July 2025. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival honours the legacy of the Tolpuddle Martyrs—six farm workers who were arrested in 1834 for forming a trade union—and has grown into a national celebration of workers’ rights nearly two centuries later.

Parade (Image: Hollie Carr)

For many, the highlight of the festival which takes place in the grounds of the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, is the parade which sees hundreds of union members march down the main road.

Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary makes a speech on the main stage during the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. 20th July 2025. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

These union members, alike the Toulpuddle Martyrs, are campaigning for their rights and fair treatment in the workplace.

Unions parade through the village with their banners at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. 20th July 2025. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Rebecca Pearce, District and Branch Secretary of the Dorset National Education Union (NEU), was part of the parade.

Rebecca Pearce (Image: Hollie Carr)

She explained that her motto is "there is no union without u."

Rebecca said: "This is all about teachers, support staff and anyone working in the school building to make sure they are a member of a union. The idea is to get all school workers in the same union as we are stronger together."

A musician on the main stage at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. 20th July 2025. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Sinead McCarney was representing the Musician Union.

Sinead McCarney (Image: Hollie Carr)

She said: "We are the only trade union for musicians. We are here to introduce ourselves to people who may not know about us and spend time with our fellow trade unions.

"We come every year and it's so nice to be back, it has been a really good weekend."

Unions parade through the village with their banners at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. 20th July 2025. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Sinead further explained that some of the musicians performing at the festival were members of the Musician Union."

Also taking part in the parade was Tam McFarlane who was there with the Fire Brigades Union.

Tam McFarlane (Image: Hollie Carr)

He said: "We come every year to show solidarity with other workers and to raise our profile. It is an absolutely brilliant festival which has gone from strength to strength over the years. There is a great discussion and great music."

The festival also features talks from union leaders, activists, and policy experts, along with workshops, live music, and opportunities to network and learn from the experiences of workers fighting for justice, equality and fairness.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival (Image: Hollie Carr)

There was also a great music line-up featuring Billy Bragg, Grace Petrie, Dryadic, Du Glas and Pet Needs.

Festival grounds (Image: Hollie Carr)

Other highlights include sessions on the latest political debates and practical organising tools for activists.