Thousands of trade union and labour movement activists, including Bristol Unison, Unite, RMT, GMB and PCS members, took over the small Dorset village of Tolpuddle on Sunday 19th March. In a procession through the village they marched behind their trade union banners and wore, with pride, their campaigning tee-shirts. There were numerous speeches from amongst others Frances O’Grady – TUC General Secretary, Karen Smith MP for Bristol South and others.

The weekend was more than just the Sunday march and rally it was a whole weekend festival starting on the Friday afternoon. There were many stalls from the trade union and solidarity movements, guided walks through the village to see where the Martyrs lived, worshipped and organised. There was a marquee where festival goers could listen to campaign stall-holders and others explain why they were at Tolpuddle.

For those of you who couldn’t make the day here’s a few photographs to whet your appetite for next year! See you in 2016.

Reports of the day can be found at Anti-Union Bill will Create a New Era of Tolpuddle Martyrs

Tolpuddle: GMB camp site gives Tory hit members a holiday