Join PCS at the Tolpuddle Martyrs' festival
Join us at the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival this weekend, a celebration of trade union history, solidarity and social justice set in the historic Dorset village where the Tolpuddle Martyrs lived.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival 2026 takes place this weekend, 17-19 July.
Bringing together activists, unions, campaigners and families, the festival features inspiring speakers, live music, cultural events and discussions focused on building a fairer future.
South West regional chair Hannah David will chair a wide variety of panels throughout the festival.
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote will take part in the following panels on Saturday 18 July:
10:00 – 11:15 Beyond the Pay Claim: An all-women panel on how unions can build worker and people power
The Tolpuddle Martyrs are remembered for their fight for fair wages, but their story was part of a much bigger struggle: the struggle for dignity, true democracy for all, and the power of workers to organise collectively and in unity.
Because of their campaign, and the lessons learned from that success, trade unions remain one of the most powerful forces for bringing about change, in the workplaces, across sectors, but also too communities and people’s lives.
As public services face cuts, minoritised people being targeted by hostile policies, and communities confront rising inequality and division, trade unions continue to be at the heart of resistance and renewal.
So, in this all women panel of leading voices from across the movement we discuss how unions can be effect levers that build worker and people power, defend fundamental rights, and shape a fairer society far beyond the bargaining table.
With Hannah David (TUC SW Chair / PCS), Kate Osborne MP, Fran Heathcote (PCS General Secretary), Jo Seery (Thompsons Solicitors), Sian Elliott (TUC)
2pm in the Fringe tent: DEBATE: Finishing the Job: forward to the Employment Rights Bill #2 (Organised by Campaign for Trade Union Freedom/Institute of Employment Rights)
Join the Institute of Employment Rights and Campaign for Trade Union Freedom panel as it explores the campaign for a new deal for working people and what’s left to tackle.
With Eddie Dempsey (RMT General Secretary), John McDonnell MP, Fran Heathcote (PCS General Secretary), Prof Keith Ewing (CTUF/IER), Cristina Ioanitescu (General Secretary, App Drivers’ & Couriers’ Union), Sarah Woolley (BFAWU General Secretary)