Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival & Museum

Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival & Museum The official page for the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival and Museum. Save the dates: 18 - 20 July 2025 Farm workers could not bear yet more cuts to their pay.
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In the 1830s life in villages like Tolpuddle was hard and getting worse. Some fought back by smashing the new threshing machines but this brought harsh punishments. In 1834, farm workers in west Dorset formed a trade union. Unions were lawful and growing fast but six leaders of the union were arrested and sentenced to seven years’ transportation for taking an oath of secrecy. A massive protest swe

pt across the country. Thousands of people marched through London and many more organised petitions and protest meetings to demand their freedom.

Our amazing Main Stage music programme on Sunday 19th July will be held together by the equally amazing Robb Johnson (Of...
15/06/2026

Our amazing Main Stage music programme on Sunday 19th July will be held together by the equally amazing Robb Johnson (Official) as MC.

Robb is one of the most consistent and prolific songwriters of our generation. His work is both political and personal. Contradicting capitalism since 1985 pretty much sums up the vast body of his work.

https://www.robbjohnson.co.uk/

A recognisable face and voice of now for many years, Robb is an amazing presence and performer and we look forward to seeing him doing what he does best!

The Saturday afternoon Open Mic is a true expression of the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2026 ethos 🪕Everyone is invited u...
13/06/2026

The Saturday afternoon Open Mic is a true expression of the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2026 ethos 🪕

Everyone is invited up to perform, express and entertain - with a large and welcoming crowd throughout the afternoon 🪗

Don't be shy, just come and find our wonderful MC John Reed and get your name on the board.

A number of open mic performers have indeed found themselves on the main stages in subsequent years... you never know who might be watching ;)

PHOTOS: Jess Hurd

PSSST!Tolpuddle Unplugged is the festival’s best kept secret 🤫 Nobody knows quite what will happen in the Fringe Tent on...
11/06/2026

PSSST!

Tolpuddle Unplugged is the festival’s best kept secret 🤫

Nobody knows quite what will happen in the Fringe Tent on Saturday night, not even the hosts of this stage with no PA, no lighting and no running order but something special always does, as headline acts from other stages mix with walk-ups and festival regulars to perform completely unplugged to an audience prepared to expect the unexpected.

You never know who might turn up to sing a song or two 🪕

Curated by Steve and Funky Lol from Steve White & The Protest Family

Starts 7pm - get a drink and grab a seat!

PHOTOS: Jess Hurd 📸

Our Friday acoustic afternoon, now named The Dick Muskett Sessions in tribute to our wonderful late festival comrade, is...
09/06/2026

Our Friday acoustic afternoon, now named The Dick Muskett Sessions in tribute to our wonderful late festival comrade, is the perfect start to the weekend. Great music, positive messages and a chilled vibe in the Fringe Tent from 2-5pm, this year's line-up is now announced! 🪕🎻

Les Thomas - Les Thomas is an award-winning Melbourne singer-songwriter whose songs explore conscience, connection, and the stories that shape us. His latest album I Remember Everything gathers songs of resilience, love, and moral courage, blending the personal and political with warmth and clarity. Known for his resonant voice and compelling, memorable performances, Les brings depth and empathy to every stage, sharing songs that speak to solidarity, memory, and the enduring power of hope.

The Blessed Crow - a dynamic father-daughter folk duo whose performances are marked by infectious energy and heartfelt storytelling. Their original songs blend traditional and modern folk, drawing inspiration from folklore, historical events, and spiritual themes. Many pieces reference local tales such as The Pwca and events like The Newport Rising, complemented by classic protest
songs that reflect folk music’s tradition of championing the underdog.

James Harriman takes a nostalgic Folk-Rock sound and collides it with a Rock N Roll attitude creating a sound that brings old and new together. James has grown a dedicated following and a reputation for his high energy live shows. James is also a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. His 2025 Single Pride Riot is his rallying cry to the modern young q***r generation to stand up and continue fighting for Q***r rights.

- Dorchester born and raised, Eva Grant is a 16 year old singer/songwriter, embroidering honest, cathartic lyricism with compelling melodies. Inspired by the ambience of of Dorset itself, her original music brings catchy and confessional elements to audiences throughout the South West. Brought to you in collaboration with Dorchester Town Council.

TOLPUDDLE FESTIVAL - YOU'RE HAVING A LAUGH!! 🤣That's right, in between some very serious discussions and organising ther...
08/06/2026

TOLPUDDLE FESTIVAL - YOU'RE HAVING A LAUGH!! 🤣

That's right, in between some very serious discussions and organising there is always an opportunity for laughter...

None more so than at Tolpuddle Comedy on Saturday night 18th July in the Solidarity Field (previously the GMB field, opposite the main museum field) from 7 - 10pm.

Hosted by the inimitable Jon Matthews Comedy and featuring some top notch, left-leaning acts, this will be good chance to exercise your funny bones.

*** Please note that there will be adult themes and language so young or sensitive ears should consider suitability! ***

The Workers Beer Company will be running a bar for this event 🍻

Simon Munnery:

Born in Edgware. Raised in Watford. Died all over the place.
"One of the funniest, most original comedians of the past 20 years." - The Guardian.
Back by popular demand, Simon Munnery is considered one of the best comedians working in Britain today with a plethora of TV and radio appearances being merely the tip of the iceberg that is a career as one of Britain's best loved alternative comedians.

Leslie Gold:

New Jerseyite Leslie Gold is an astute observational comedian, compelling storyteller, engaging MC and podcast host who has gigged throughout the UK and internationally. Her cool-auntie vibe and well-crafted, intelligent jokes have taken her to the finals and semi-finals of many prestigious competitions, including So You Think You're Funny. "Veer(ing) from punchline to side-note to callback with enviable speed" (One4Review), there is no doubt that Leslie is comedy Gold. "I love Leslie, she is the kind of MC I adore, funny, kind and actually gives a s*** about the audience.“ -Mark Thomas

Kev Mud

Kev Mud made a blistering start to his stand up career by either winning or getting to the finals of most national competitions in his first year. So it's no surprise that by year three, he was booked to play on the main comedy stage at Glastonbury, and been the subject of full page articles in the national press.

Kev is “one to watch” (Chortle) and “one of the best new acts in the last 20 years” (Spiky Mike, Funhouse Comedy). He brings his experiences as a homeless ex-addict to a performance that has been described as “honest, charming and humorous” (British Comedy Guide), by delivering his stories and cleverly written pieces “with charm and wit” (Chortle).

Jon Matthews:

Regular Tolpuddle Comedy MC Jon Matthews is a well-loved and well-travelled comedian who specialises in the niche, nerdy and absurd. His recent show Talk Nerdy To Me won a best show award at the Nottingham Comedy Festival.
"Jokes you can feel smart for getting." - Chortle.
"Top compere, so good he don't need the 'h'." - Simon Munnery.
"Even the depressed middle-aged men in polo shirts were amused." - China Business News.

What a way to kick off Saturday night's music in the Martyrs Marquee at Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2026!!!!Fresh from te...
05/06/2026

What a way to kick off Saturday night's music in the Martyrs Marquee at Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2026!!!!

Fresh from tearing up festival stages and igniting dancefloors here, there & everywhere, Kid Hyena are urban-folk renegades promising a full-throttle experience of rhythm, sweat and sing-along positive vibes!

https://www.kidhyena.com/

Formed in the backstreets of Barcelona and now based in the UK, they bring you pounding percussion, explosive rhythm tap dance, soaring harmonies and basslines that grab you by the ribs. This isn’t a “stand and watch” kind of gig — Kid Hyena turn every room into a moving, stomping, clapping celebration.

Upbeat, inclusive and entertaining - come and get the party started with them 😎

03/06/2026

Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival returns to the sloping Dorset fields in July 🏕️

Grab your tickets today: unsn.uk/Tolpuddle2026

Keeping Tolpuddle's folk music roots alive and well on Sunday 19th July in the Martyrs Marquee will be the wonderful SUE...
03/06/2026

Keeping Tolpuddle's folk music roots alive and well on Sunday 19th July in the Martyrs Marquee will be the wonderful SUE CONROY🌞

https://sueconroymusic.co.uk/

Sue has recently emerged onto the folk scene predominantly in
and around Teesside. Her original songs engage audiences and
soon have them singing along. Sue’s impressive and prolific
songwriting, distinctive voice and strong stagecraft have already earned her a warm response and a growing following. Her act incorporates feisty protest songs, humorous ditties and dreamy, lyrical ballads capturing her love of the outdoors 🎸

Recent performances have included supporting the award-winning
North Riding and Robb Johnson, playing Joe Solo’s We Shall Overcome event and a guest slot at Saltburn Folk Club among many more.

Please fill the tent at Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2026!

Our next performer made a big impact on last year's festival, coming from overseas to get stuck in with the crew as well...
30/05/2026

Our next performer made a big impact on last year's festival, coming from overseas to get stuck in with the crew as well as various pop up gigs! It's a pleasure to bring him back to Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2026 and put him on the main programme on Sunday 19th July! 🌞

Yahmo Ahqha is a trade unionist with the United Domestic Workers of America (UDW). He is a guitarist, singer and songwriter from Chico, California. His music blends blues, rock and funk together with messages of social and environmental justice, particularly in
regards to Indigenous rights. He is a member of the Pomo Nation in Northern California and a Central Committee member of the Peace and Freedom Party of California, the largest socialist party on the ballot in the state ✊

Welcome back Yahmo!

Next up to the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2026 stage! 👏Calum Baird is a Scottish folk, punk and story-telling singer-son...
27/05/2026

Next up to the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2026 stage! 👏

Calum Baird is a Scottish folk, punk and story-telling singer-songwriter and musician featured on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Scotland and Amazing Radio.

“Echoing early Billy Bragg with his dogged optimism” – Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

Calum’s music is characterised by its honesty and authenticity, with lyrics that are often introspective and personal. His songs explore social commentary, modern life, relationships, alienation and social change. Calum’s influences include Neil Young, Billy Bragg, The Pogues and Dick Gaughan.

Calum has been featured on radio stations across the UK and internationally, and he has performed at festivals and events throughout the UK, Europe and Cuba. He has been featured in
online media and the press, including in Scotland on Sunday as their Artist of the Week.

In addition to touring and writing his own music, Calum wrote and composed the musical score for the award-winning feature-film Exiles (2021) written by Glasgow poet and writer, Victoria McNulty.

Please give him a warm Tolpuddle welcome! ✊❤️

Address

Dorchester Road
Tolpuddle
DT27EH

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+441305848237

Website

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