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MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025 | 2:54 PM
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.
MU Campaign & Organising Support Official Sinead McCarney, second from right, on a panel at last year's event. Photo:©The MU.

Taking place from 18–20 July in Dorset, Tolpuddle remains a key date in the trade union calendar – a space to celebrate our collective history, share ideas, and push for change. As ever, the MU will be on hand across the weekend, meeting members, joining debates, and marching in solidarity.

Events on Saturday 19 July

We’re proud to be contributing to several sessions at this year’s festival.

  • Panel: Can sectoral and fair pay agreements work? Join MU Wales & South West England Regional Organiser Andy Warnock and others for a timely discussion on collective bargaining and how unions can help deliver fairer pay across the creative industries. Fringe Tent, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
  • Panel: Can AI really outsmart and outwork humans? Andy will also take part in this panel exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work — and what it means for musicians. Martyrs Marquee, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
  • MU Workshop: Organising for freelancers. Join MU Campaign & Organising Support Official Sinead McCarney for a practical session on how freelancers can organise in their workplaces or communities. Organise Tent, 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm.

Visit the MU marquee

If you’re heading to Tolpuddle, visit the MU marquee for resources, conversation, and campaign updates. We’ll be there all weekend.

And don’t miss the Sunday banner march, where we’ll proudly unveil our new MU banner for the first time at Tolpuddle.

Find out more about Tolpuddle or if you’d like to get involved at this year’s festival, please contact sinead.mccarney@themu.org.

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A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners.

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