First acts announced for Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival and Rally 2014

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July 2014
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Tolpuddle, Dorset, DT2 7EH, England MAP
£25 weekend, child (5-15) £5, u5s free - Sunday only free

Daily capacity: 5,000

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 20thJuly 2014.

The first names for the programme of music on offer have been released. The initial provisional acts include Stompin Dave Allen, Kidnap Alice, Wlllowen, Playmaker, and The Hurriers on Friday.

On Saturday Soothsayers, are joined by The Stanfields, Gentle Men, Gris Gris, Asha Faria Vare, and Steve White.

Sunday's line-up includes Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, The Men They Couldn't Hang, Robb Johnson, Namvula, Louise Distras, Union Jill, Red Notes Choir, Tatty Smart, East Creek Union, Joe Solo, Rita Payne, The Standfield Brothers, Rachel and Robin, Lazibyrd, and Cruel Folk. Plus Musicians’ Union Great Western Marching Jazz Band, RMT Brass Band, NASUWT Marching Band, and UNISON Samba Band.

The event offers seminars, and talks during the day, and some smaller music spaces, with the main music happening in the afternoons/evenings. On the Sunday there is a large processional march from the festival site to the nearby village of Tolpuddle, followed by a few major music acts and speeches.

Expect a weekend of speakers and debates. In and around the Martyrs Marque at the festival there will be stalls selling ideas.

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The traditional Sunday Rally Day is open to all and free - apart from the parking fee of £10 a vehicle. Please respect the Festival and the local community by using the car parks.
The area for camping is restricted and will fill to capacity. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Weekend Festival pass: £25 per adult
Children under five: Free
Children 5-15: £5
Camping tag: £15 per tent
Camper van tag: £30
Gazebo tag: £15
Friday only: £10
Saturday only: £15
Parking: £5 for weekend pass-holders, £10 on Sunday.

The Village Hall on Friday will host 'Wrong 'un' by Red Ladder Theatre Company a one-woman suffragette musical performed by Ella Harris, written by Boff Whalley and directed by Justin Audibert. Saturday offers the Campaign stall-holders and others have a chance to explain why they are at Tolpuddle, there's a full programme of discussion and debate in the Martyrs' Marquee and Tolpuddle Fringe tent, and the annual Tolpuddle's got talent competition happening outside. Sunday has the march, speeches including Nigel Costley, Frances O'Grady, Rosie MacGregor and Mohammad Taj, and POA Freedom Hike from Dorchester to Tolpuddle Plus Guided Walks about the village, and kid's stuff happening all weekend

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