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May Day Marches in the North of England

Members are encouraged to join a May Day March, where trade unionists and the labour movement will come together to celebrate efforts to improve workers’ rights.

Published: 30 April 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM
Photograph of different trade union banners being held aloft
Trade Union banners on a march. Photograph: Musicians' Union

May Day marches will be taking place across the UK. Two events which members are encouraged to attend in the North of England are taking place in Tyne & Wear and Manchester.

Tyne and Wear May Day March and Rally

When: Saturday 4 May 2019

Assemble: 11:00 am, Exhibition Park Bandstand, Newcastle NE2 4PZ

March off: 11:30 am

Rally: 12:00 pm, Grey’s Monument, Newcastle NE1 5AF

Manchester May Day March and Rally

When: Sunday 5 May

Assemble: 11:00 am, All Saints Park, Manchester M15 6BH

Rally and sessions: From 1:00 pm, Mechanics Institute, Manchester M1 6DD

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