The annual Tolpuddle Martyrs festival in Dorset was cancelled because of COVID 19, but the annual parade in the village from the old oak tree has been recorded for an online audience to watch.

The South West TUC mas the virtual event as similar as possible to the original, complete with debates, films, comedy, music, a kids’ area, and a virtual procession on Sunday afternoon (July 19).

Festival organiser and Regional Secretary of the TUC South West Nigel Costley said: “Tolpuddle has always been more than simply music and politics. It’s a gathering of like-minded people, a joyous celebration of trade union solidarity – and that’s what we’re hoping to reflect online."