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Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival at Tolpuddle

Event: Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
Date: July 16th to 18th

For two days in mid-July, the people of the village of Tolpuddle will pay tribute to the group of men who created the idea of trade unionism as we know it today.

In 1834, six farm workers from this Dorset village were tried and transported to Australia for the crime of attempting to form a union.

The country was outraged and mass protests and demonstrations took place in London against their convictions.

Caving to the pressure, the authorities quashed their sentences and the six men returned to Britain as heroes and their story would become part of the development of a free and fair society.

The six may be gone but what they stood for and achieved lives on and the people of Tolpuddle remember this with a festival of music, readings and entertainment.

Billy Bragg and Tony Benn will join a range of musicians, performers and speakers from far and wide, who will put into context exactly why the stand the six men took is so important to us today.

Tolpuddle is a little village with a big heart and visitors to the region will find this over the two-day spectacle.

For those looking to enjoy a break in the countryside for a few days, it is the perfect event and to make it even more special, visitors can book a stay at the luxury Dorset hotel the Summer Lodge and take advantage of the 3 Nights for the Price of 2 package.

The deal includes a complimentary third night, a full English breakfast each day and use of the Health Club, heated indoor pool and sauna.

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