TOLPUDDLE FESTIVAL
GLASTONBURY’S OVER, ON TO TOLPUDDLE!
Philosophy Football’s Tolpuddle T-shirt celebrates the 1834 heroism of six agricultural workers who formed a trade union, were sentenced to seven years deportation to Australia and after mass protests were granted a free pardon. On an Ethical Threads garment, 100% organic cotton and special summer offer price just £14.99! Available from www.philosophyfootball.com
The Tolpuddle Festival 18-20 July features Mark Steel, Robb Johnson, Tracey Curtis, Devon Sproule, Alabama 3 and Tony Benn, its FREE and not to be missed. Details from www.tuc.org.uk/the_tuc/tuc-14521-f0.cfm
It is worth saying that the Tolpuddle Festival is a brilliant weekend, with around 10000 trade union and labour movement activists, great music, talks, a childrens’ play area. I will be camping there with the children for the three days, and I am thoroughly looking forward to it.
Alabama 3 will be there, tempting just to see them. Ah, always think of The Sopranos.
Comment by Louise — 2 July, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
good t shirt
well done
Comment by Sam — 2 July, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
“Alabama 3 will be there, tempting just to see them. Ah, always think of The Sopranos.”
I think I’m the only person in the UK who has a copy of “I will be released”. Best thing they’ve done.
Comment by tonyc — 2 July, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
Is that becasue “I will be released” wasn’t released in the UK?
Comment by Andy Newman — 2 July, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
Ah! Tolpuddle…. never been heard rave reviews in the past… in fact the only decent local labour party councillors in Bromsgrove always goes with his kids… Chap named Shaun Shannon… would love to come but maybe next year. I am getting married the weekend after tolpuddle so every penny will have to go towards that…. SU types welcome to attend… All Saints Church, Birmingham Rd, Bromsgrove 2pm — followed by a BBQ at the garden of the Hop Pole pub [worcestershire premier free entertainment venue!] 200yards away..
As the day is the 55th anniversary of Fidels assault on the Moncada barricks in Santiago de Cuba then… we might try a Fidelista theme!
Hope everyone enjoys Tolpuddle feel like a bit of “martyr” myself for not being able to come….!
Comment by mark anthony france — 2 July, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
#3
Tony, I take it “I will be released” isn’t on any of their LPs? I will search around for it anyways. Liked Exile on Coldharbour Lane.
Comment by Louise — 2 July, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
I’m going. Good day out. Excelent beer tent by the way, socialism and cider!!
Comment by Ian — 2 July, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
Wowee - no Billy Bragg! I might go,
Comment by Charles Dexter Ward — 2 July, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
see you there.
Comment by Derek Wall — 3 July, 2008 @ 9:16 am
look out for the class war stall
Comment by darren redstar — 3 July, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
at a wedding?
Comment by Dave — 3 July, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
we r everywhere
Comment by darren redstar — 3 July, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
Sorry to be a party pooper but Tolpuddle is becoming dull and unimaginative (apart from Mark Steel, of course). Brendan Barber FFS! Christ, can’t they invite a senior trades unionist with a spine, someone passionate and rousing. These events are supposed to me morale-boosters, surely? The only plus this year is not having that phoney Bragg spoiling it - perhaps he’s supervising the addition of a new wing to his Dorset pile (don’t forget the St George’s Cross on the flagpole you nationalist tosser)
Comment by Doug — 3 July, 2008 @ 1:34 pm
I’m afraid it’s the old TUC/Bragg/Benn axis boring us shitless yet again, and even worse the ‘Reverend’ Alun Johnson delivering a sermon in the ‘Methodist Chapel.’ I kid you not.
Comment by Sergioleonine — 4 July, 2008 @ 8:33 am
I’m amazed at the credibility Bragg still has with some on the Left. Anyone who supported the Iraq war to the extent of campaigning for a Oona King has crossed the line - he’s a pro-imperialist. Full stop.
Comment by Doug — 4 July, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
It’s simple Doug: any fool who can deploy the symbolism and vocabulary of the ‘left’ can enjoy widespread credibility. Simply wrap whatever you’re selling in the Red Flag; chuck a bit of workerist rhetoric into the mix; invoke the BNP; salute the TUC and voila, your a socialist. You can now promote corporatism, national chauvanism, regressive taxes and colonial wars as a progressive project. Labour have been doing it for years, and still they fall for it!
Comment by Sergioleonine — 4 July, 2008 @ 10:31 pm