Burston rally 2026
The Burston Strike School rally is an annual event in Norfolk celebrating "the longest strike in British history" (1914–1939).
It commemorates when pupils and parents boycotted their school in protest for the sacking of their teachers Tom and Kitty Higdon who were punished for their trade union and socialist views and for defending the rights of rural working-class families.
After being fired, the Higdons set up an alternative "Strike school" in a local workshop, which was supported by the community for 25 years. The strike school remains on Burston village green as a museum to this struggle for rural workers’ rights and freedoms.
The rally serves as a celebration of grassroots resistance, solidarity, and the trade union movement's history, as well as addressing current issues like austerity and workers' rights.
It commemorates the 1914 protest where children marched with signs saying: "We Want Our Teachers Back" to protest their treatment by the rural elite.
The event is held every year on the first Sunday in September in the village of Burston and acts as a rally for activists, politicians, and community members.
It's also held as a celebration of our culture with music and stalls.
A number of trades union councils PCS affiliates to organise transport to the event which we will advertise.
Richard Edwards, ARMS Eastern