We have been attending this wonderful event for 16 years. Filled to the brim with wonderful people. Like minded and knowledgeable. Celebrating brave, principled but desperate people who stood up to the landowners and eventually won. A small battle in a big war but one that resonates across the centuries. Without people like the Martyrs, and those who have followed, this country would be very different. Much of the world would be different. The gains, which although we have to constantly battle to cling on to, have improved many a life.
Every year there are more of us. Coaches and trains… from across the country deliver thousands of smiley happy people uniting against the division. Even if it is just a booster before many head back to the struggle, it is a positive reminder of what can be achieved through unity. However, with the growth in numbers we are going to need a bigger field (see Inset). I spoke to a significant number who could not get close to the stage so did not bother, especially in the heat. This was a shame given the messages being communicated.
Can I begin with a shout out to the person who booked the portable Gentlemen’s toilets? Thank you. Can the Ladies be upgraded next year please? Solidarity in relief comfort should be a cornerstone in any liberation movement.
One other thing. Maxine Peake. One of the best actresses of her generation and luckily we got a pic with her as soon as we arrived or it is quite possible I could have been arrested for stalking. Thank you Maxine – especially for your recital of Shelley’s Masque of Anarchy in Manchester a couple of years back and your work on the 1612 Underture.
The reason we set up Dorset Eye was to enable people to have a voice. The highlights of the day were multiple but stand out was chatting to some of the striking bus drivers from Weymouth. A lovely group of folk who will hopefully bring their voice to the Eye very soon.
The march had to be the longest ever. Absolutely incredible. Diversity united in beauty.
Caitlyn Fisher
Hazel Priest
A key point for many
Jeremy Corbyn
Wow. Just some of the wonderful people who travelled a few or hundreds of miles to celebrate together.
On stage we were treated to a group of performing arts students from Somerset who brought to us an eight minute precis of a play they are performing telling the story of the Martyrs and the process they lived and endured. Brilliant.
Also on stage were two of the Miami Five who came over to thank the UK for helping them to be freed.
The newly elected mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, gave an inspirational and warmly welcomed speech about how he battled the odds to become mayor and how it would not have been possible without the support he received from the trade unions.
The loudest cheer of the day was though for the leader of the Labour Party. Jeremy Corbyn was celebrated from his first sighting and he gave a 25 minute speech recounting previous visits; the successes in preventing the Tories from even more callous attacks on the vulnerable and what now needs to be done.
Following the speeches came the music. Unfortunately we had to get the bus home and missed it this year.
One last call out. The Tolpuddle Crew who work tirelessly year after year to make this event so special. Here are but some.
(Thanks to Sheila Wiggins)
The only downside was the buses. From Dorchester it was shuttles run by private and highly exploitative private mini bus drivers. In a sense it encapsulated not only an irony but the whole reason why this festival and its message is so important.
Unity is strength. No to exploitation and oppression.
Join us on Facebook and see the Jeremy Corbyn speech in full.
Jason Cridland
Here is a take from a musician appearing earlier in the festival: Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival ‘ Just Wow
