© Jess Hurd

The Unite tent will be opened this year with a special performance from Robb Johnson, a long-time supporter of the festival and regular main stage MC, Robb will be performing his politically driven folk-punk songs from his vast back catalogue. With years of challenging the capitalist agenda, his songs should strike accord with Trade Union activists whilst also being incredibly personal and nuanced. One not to miss. 

Unite Landworker mag presents the mostly untold story of the Ascott Martyrs, 16 farm working women and two babies, and how they changed our trade union rights forever. An inspirational drama in words and song. The weekend starts here.  

With the Race Relations Act, which was latterly incorporated into the Equalities Act, celebrating its 60th anniversary, we have a panel discussion to celebrate the activism of those within the Equalities strands. 

 Covering topics around Winter Fuel Payments, Blood donation and sickle cell syndrome, Neurodiversity and Personal Protective Equipment, we look to concentrate on the campaigns that have been developed and celebrate that activism. 

• Lorraine Gibbs – Unite the Union SW Regional Equalities Officer – Chair 

• Maggie Roberts – Unite the Union SW Retired Members Committee 

• Martin Jared-Davis – Unite the Union SW LGBT Committee  

• Torkwase Holmes – Unite the Union SW BAEM Committee and Regional Committee Member 

• Dan Smith – Unite the Union SW Disability Committee 

• Maria Boyle – Unite the Union H&S Rep. 

FREE Visit to Shire Hall Museum

Book tickets for this FREE event here.   

With the Tolpuddle Martyrs being the focus of the festival, Unite are laying on a shuttle bus to the Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester. The museum is set in Shire Hall and includes the courthouse where the Martyrs were tried and the cells where they were held. It provides a tangible link to the historical story. 

As part of the visit there will be a guided tour of the museum, cells and courthouse courtesy of the Shire Hall volunteers. There will also be an exhibition of trade union banners through the years and stalls celebrating trade unionism. 

The shuttle bus and entrance fee will be free of charge so it will be run on a first come, first served basis, booked through our website. We would, however, welcome donations to the Shire Hall Historical Court House Museum.  

Have machines taken your job? We look at the rise of the machines in the food industry and is it for good or bad? Panel includes Adam Cantwell-Corn, TUC campaigns, Paul Travers, Unite national officer, Monique Mosley, Unite food worker, Steve Leniec, Unite farm worker, Sue Longley, ex-IUF general secretary. 

One in five people live in a rural area. With less access to essentials like food and fuel it can work out far more expensive for lower income earners. How are Labour helping them? Panel includes Ian Byrne MP, Right to Food, Anna Gelderd MP South East Cornwall, Maggie Roberts, Unite pensioners activist, Steve Leniec Unite agri lead and farm worker PLUS more to be announced. 

 This is likely to be the debate of the day so don’t be late! This is your chance to hear what’s really going on in the shires. NOT TO BE MISSED…  

Starting at 09:45 

Unite Landworker mag presents the mostly untold story of the Ascott Martyrs, 16 farm working women and two babies, and how they changed our trade union rights forever.  

 An inspirational drama in words and song. Defo worth seeing – bring your coffee!