skip to main content

Join the MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival

The MU will once again be attending the annual Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath on 27 June, joining trade unionists, community groups and families for a day celebrating the history of women’s industrial action and its lasting legacy today.

Published: 05 May 2026 | 10:07 AM
The three MU Midlands staff at last year's festival, stood in front of the Union's stand and yellow flags on a bright sunny day.
Our MU Midlands team at last year's Women Chainmakers' event. Photo: The MU.

The MU will be taking part in this year’s Women Chainmakers’ Festival, held on Saturday 27 June at Mary Macarthur Gardens in Cradley Heath.

Organised annually by Trades Union Congress (TUC) Midlands, the free family-friendly festival brings together the Black Country community and the wider trade union movement to celebrate and commemorate the women chainmakers of Cradley Heath and their landmark contribution to workers’ rights.

Through street theatre, historical re-enactments, live metalworking demonstrations, speeches, political stalls, music, food, children’s activities and entertainment, the festival keeps alive the story of the 1910 chainmakers’ dispute while looking ahead to the future of trade union activism.

Held at the site of the original dispute, the festival is the only trade union-run festival dedicated to celebrating the success and legacy of women workers.

Meet the MU

The MU will once again have a stall at the event and staff will be on hand throughout the day to speak to guests. Members attending are encouraged to come along, say hello and browse the stall.

Event details

  • Date: Saturday 27 June
  • Time: 11.00am–4.00pm
  • Location: Mary Macarthur Gardens, Whitehall Road, Cradley Heath, B64 5BG
  • Tickets: Free entry, no booking required.

Those interested in learning more about the women chainmakers and the origins of the festival can visit the Women Chainmakers' website here.

Your Union in the Midlands. Your Voice in Music.

From Birmingham to Nottingham and beyond, the Midlands Regional Office is here to support musicians across the region—offering trusted advice, local events, and strong representation rooted in the heart of the UK.

Continue reading

People at the protest holding a red banner saying

MU Stands with Staff and Students Fighting Nottingham University Cuts

MU officials joined staff and students at the University of Nottingham yesterday to protest proposed job and course cuts, including the suspension of music courses for new entrants, as concerns grow over the wider threat facing arts subjects in higher education.

Published: 07 May 2026

Read more about MU Stands with Staff and Students Fighting Nottingham University Cuts
The three MU Midlands staff at last year's festival, stood in front of the Union's stand and yellow flags on a bright sunny day.

Join the MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival

The MU will once again be attending the annual Women Chainmakers’ Festival in Cradley Heath on 27 June, joining trade unionists, community groups and families for a day celebrating the history of women’s industrial action and its lasting legacy today.

Published: 05 May 2026

Read more about Join the MU at the Women Chainmakers’ Festival