FEATURE Tolpuddle 2022


n By Keith Hatch Martyrs’ Festival returns


It’s back – with a vengeance! Yes it will soon be Tolpuddle time and your Landworker team just can’t wait


Excitement is rising as Unite prepares to head to the birthplace of rural trade unionism in the fields of Dorset for the 2022 Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival.


This year sees the return of a full three day festival after two years of online or hybrid events caused by the Covid pandemic. And organisers are looking forward to welcoming the crowds back for the usual mix of speakers, stalls, music and workshops.


Though the event will be familiar to the thousands of people that make the annual pilgrimage – festival goers will notice something different about the Unite Marquee.


This year Unite is upping sticks and moving to a new location at the bottom of the slope. This has resulted in a bigger, more welcoming, space which is not only more accessible, but also means it’s easier to see and get involved with this year's packed programme of workshops and entertainment.


Throughout the weekend the Unite Marquee will be open for people to find out more about how Unite is there for members, providing first class training for reps, legal support for those who need it and negotiating the best pay deals possible.


On Saturday, July 16, Unite Landworker hosts two fascinating


discussions. The first looks at The rise and fall of the Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority and tells the story of migrant workers. Speakers include former Unite national officer for agricultural


workers, Chris Kaufman and Kristjan Bragason, from European union, EFFAT – plus we will hear testimonies from migrant workers too.


This is followed by a packed panel


exploring Climate Change and Food Production. Unite national officer Bev Clarkson will be joined by IUF general


secretary Sue Longley and Unite’s Steve Leniec, John Burbidge and Gareth Lowe.


Both sessions will be chaired by Landworker editor Amanda Campbell.


Badger suits at the ready Though it has moved, Saturday in the Marquee will wrap up with the now traditional set of cider, dancing and general good natured mayhem with the scrumpy ‘n’ western kings of the


West Country – The Skimmity Hitchers.


As if this wasn’t all enough many people will want to explore the wider festival - and the organisers have


pulled out all the stops to ensure the return to Tolpuddle is the best one yet.


The procession of union banners and marching bands will be back as the centrepiece of a packed programme of workshops and speakers, all complemented by a first rate music line up that not only sees Billy Bragg


return to main stage on Sunday July 17, but includes Stornoway’s finest – Peat and Diesel – and US protest singer Carsie Blanton.


Add to this political rapper Lowkey and ska legend Rhoda Dakar on Saturday night; along with the kids’


area, loads of food stalls and the Workers’ Beer Company bar – it’s no wonder no one can wait to get back together in Tolpuddle.


SAVE THE DATE Don’t forget to block out July


15 to 17 in your diaries for Tolpuddle. Not local? Many Unite regions run coaches to the festival on Sunday July 17 – so check with your nearest regional office for advice.


See page 39


17 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2022


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