First acts announced for Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival

Organised by the TUC, the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and Rally takes place in the village of Tolpuddle, Dorset and is held from Friday 18th to Sunday the 20th July.

The first names for the programme of events and music on offer have been released. The initial provisional acts for the Main Stage include Graham Moore, Seize the Day, Devon Sproule, and Grupo Lokito.

The Martyrs' Marquee also has some artists announced and on Friday of the festival it celebrates the 90th birthday of Nelson Mandela with music from artists including The Mauves, Aidan Jolly, and The Flatville Aces. Saturday daytime has music from Bedouin Jerry Can Band and in the evening it's the turn of The Alabama 3 acoustic and unplugged, Sean Taylor, The Tones, and comedian Mark Steel. Sunday has entertainment from y'Strels Band, Tracey Curtis, Elvis McGonagall, Duckfeet, Ways of the Mouth and closing the festival will be Robb Johnson & The Irregular.

Speakers and debate include TUC talk with Elaine Bernard (Labor and Worklife Program), Kris Rondeau (The New Union Project USA) Paul Nowak (TUC) plus talks including: Hismania Iraq with Brendan Barber (TUC), Kate Allen (Amnesty International) and Tony Benn; Tolpuddle to Tescos with investigative food journalist Joanna Blythman and Prof Tim Lang Fair Trade speaker; The Tolpuddle Martyrs in Song and Story presented by Graham Moore in the original Old Crown Court with songs from his celebrated Tolpuddle Man and Gill Redmond on Cello; and Robert Owen remembered; Poetry and Politics open-mic session with Dave Toomer, Citizen 32 hosted by Graham Moore.

In and around the Martyrs Marque at the festival there will be stalls selling ideas as well as goods. Plus for kids and creative adults there will be Clive Pig - storyfella, Nick and Becki's Junk Music Workshop, Playplus, Bouncy Castle, The Woodcraft Folk, Graffiti Wall, Wishes for peace, and Parachute games.

Entrance to the festival is FREE. Weekend camping tickets are available for purchase. Space is very limited and costs £35 for a small (2 man) tent, £45 for larger tents and campervans, £55 for 7+ tents, £35 for a Gazebo. Fee includes parking for 1 vehicle and aAdditional car passes can be purchased at the event. No caravans. If you are planning to camp with friends, travel together, as spaces are allocated on arrival. Hot showers and breakfasts are available. No cars are allowed on the campsite.

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