Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Stand up for the creative arts
This year’s Tolpuddle festival will be sure to support the call for more arts funding, fair pay for creative workers and proper protection for them at work, says NIGEL COSTLEY
[Nigel Mykura/Creative Commons]

THE Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival features a diverse programme of art, music, poetry and working-class culture. 

Art and performance have always been a key part of the labour movement for inspiration and enjoyment. 

As well as a blistering line-up of music, the festival will host the new display of images by photographer Red Saunders to mark the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Phlebotomists in Gloucestershire, members of Unison, mark their 236th day of industrial action during a rally outside Gloucester Shire Hall, November 2025
Features / 16 July 2026
16 July 2026

TIM ROBERTS says unions have always led on the fight for equality as well as for justice at work

A Unite picket line in Birmingham during the bin strike
Features / 16 July 2026
16 July 2026

MATT ALLEN salutes the workers and reps who push back against bosses, win for members and make the Unite union what it is

Steve Wright addresses a mega picket in Birmingham; Pic: Henry Fowler
Features / 16 July 2026
16 July 2026

In the FBU we are showing that when we’re prepared to fight, we can win — let’s deliver for future generations and defeat the far right, argues STEVE WRIGHT

Steve Gillan
Features / 16 July 2026
16 July 2026

STEVE GILLAN says working-class communities know that solidarity is not a slogan — it is a necessity