Today, organisers of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival have made the very difficult decision to cancel the remaining festival programme because of the extreme adverse weather conditions, and in the interests of everybody’s safety. 

Organisers have heeded Yellow Weather Warnings from the Met Office and have this morning closed the site to all new entrants. Access to the site is now impossible.  

In the interests of clarity, even though the weather is set to improve tomorrow, the rest of the festival will not be going ahead due to the logistical demands of safely resetting the site.   

TUC South West regional secretary Ines Lage said: “It is with extreme disappointment we have taken the difficult decision to call off this year’s festival but, with high winds predicted to reach 45mph today, the site is now unsafe for campers and visitors.  

“Our festival is a celebration of solidarity and unity. And this year we saw such solidarity in abundance as we sought to keep the festival going in adverse conditions. The kindness, patience and overwhelming support from festival attendees, and our wonderful crew and volunteers has brought home what the union movement is about. We are eternally grateful and will endeavour to extend that solidarity as we go forward as a community and a movement.”  

“It’s the first time extreme weather has caused the festival to be cancelled and I really hope it will be the last. I thank people for their understanding and look forward to welcoming them back in 2024.”  

Festival organisers confirm that all ticket-holders will be refunded over the next few weeks, and to await further instruction.