Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Members are invited to join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - the biggest celebration of the trade union movement in the Southwest - taking place 18 to 20 July in the beautiful Dorset village of Tolpuddle.

Published: 13 June 2025 | 5:14 PM

People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners. — We’d love to see you there! If you’d like to get involved at this year’s festival, please contact us. Photo: ©The MU.

This family-friendly weekend festival brings together trade union members, officials, and supporters from across the UK to celebrate the trade union movement’s rich history and continuing legacy.

Across the weekend, festival goers can enjoy live music, workshops, talks, and a dedicated children’s area. The MU will be there throughout the event with our marquee, where members are welcome to drop by for a chat, pick up some MU merchandise, and find out more about the work we’re doing to support musicians and protect their rights.

The weekend culminates in the famous Sunday banner procession—a powerful and vibrant display of solidarity, and the largest gathering of the trade union movement in the South West. Entry on Sunday is free.

We’d love to see you there! If you’d like to get involved at this year’s festival, please contact sinead.mccarney@themu.org.

Useful Information

Tickets are required for Friday and Saturday – book yours here.
Free transport is available via buses and coaches – view options here.
See the line-up and full programme of events on the official festival site.
Read more about the Tolpuddle Martyrs story.

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