MU Returns to Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival

The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival will run 14-16 July in Dorset, seeing thousands of trade unionists gather from around the UK to commemorate the bravery of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. MU Regional Organiser Andy Warnock will be in attendance for the weekend.

Published: 20 June 2023 | 12:39 PM Updated: 22 June 2023 | 5:17 PM

A small church on a sunny day in Tolpuddle, Dorset — Join the MU on the mach on Sunday 16 July at 2:00 pm in Tolpuddle, Dorset

The MU will once again have a stand at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs festival which is running from 14-16 July. The festival commemorates the bravery of the martyrs' struggle against poverty and authority.

This annual event sees thousands of trade unionists from around the UK and the world descending on the small village of Tolpuddle in Dorset to celebrate the memory of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the legacy they left behind. The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival reflects the spirit of those prepared to stand up and be counted, and for those just learning about its history. It is a joyful celebration of solidarity.

The festival promises a wide range of music and speakers and MU Regional Organiser Andy Warnock will be available over the weekend.

On Sunday 16 July we will be marching at 2:00 pm and if you would like to join us for the march please let us know by emailing cardiff@theMU.org.

Visit the Tolpuddle Martyrs website for more details on the festival, and do come and say hello!

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

Older woman with glasses sat with a coffee cup and note books in front of an open laptop at home.

MU Members in Wales Invited to Music Education Strategy Meetings on 15 and 16 July

The online meetings will explore under-18 and post-18 music education in Wales as part of UK Music’s strategy for the devolved nations.

Published: 11 July 2025

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

A busker wearing a yellow Musicians' Union t-shirt surrounded by supporters with signs saying 'keep music live' at a busking demo in London in April.

Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers!

Sign the petition calling for new pitches in Westminster to replace those lost due to the Leicester Square busking ban.

Published: 09 July 2025

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

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.