News

GMB @ Tolpuddle 2019

Download as PDF

GMB Southern Region are again inviting all GMB members around the country to join us for up to a week's camping ABSOLUTELY FREE in the Dorset countryside from Tuesday 16th - Midday Monday 22nd July

The Tolpuddle Festival commemorates six Trade Unionists who were deported for their Union activities in 1834.  Every July thousands of people come to Tolpuddle to celebrate trade unionism and to remember the sacrifice made by the six farm workers of the village.  The festival is a popular mix of political discussion and speeches, great music to suit all tastes, entertainment for all the family and the traditional procession of banners, wreath laying and a Methodist service.

The GMB camping field has space for tents and car parking (not campers or mobile homes), and has facilities for washing, toilets and electricity and is primarily a gathering place for GMB members who wish to either enjoy a week’s free camping using the field as a base in the tranquillity of the Dorset Countryside or simply to use whilst attending the Festival on the main TUC site.

There will be entertainment on both the Friday and Saturday evening in the GMB Marquee with Friday hosting the brilliant Townsend Theatre productions' Ragged Trousered Philanthropists  whilst  Saturday sees the ever popular Banner Theatre Productions' NHS Themed "Free for All".

Those wishing to attend the main TUC festival opposite will require a weekend ticket.  Tickets are available now from www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk.  Last year these sold out three weeks prior to the event, so don’t rely on getting a late ticket purchase!

GMB are at present seeking 4 volunteers in total who can commit to 2 x 5 hour volunteering roles (shifts) on any days (subject to availability) between Thursday 18th and Sunday 21st, for which full tickets for the festival will be given in return.

To book a space in the GMB camping field for the full week or just the weekend, or if you have any questions about any of the above, please send your name, GMB membership number and your contact details to tolpuddle@gmb.org.uk or fill in the form at https://www.gmb-southern.org.uk/gmb-at-tolpuddle-2019.  To read more about how we look after any data you submit, please refer to our privacy policy here.