A RECORD number of people gathered in Tolpuddle over the weekend to celebrate this year’s Martyrs’ Festival to ‘fight the battle of Tolpuddle once more’.

The rain showers didn’t dampen the spirits of those who attended the festival and rally amid heightened union concerns over cuts to public services and jobs.

The annual event, which kicked off on Friday featuring live music, speakers and entertainment for all the family, celebrates the six Tolpuddle agricultural workers who were transported to Australia in 1834 after forming a union.

Organisers, who estimated more than 7,000 people attended the festival, said there was an unprecedented demand for tickets this year and there were no camping spaces left.

Entry to the main rally yesterday was free and live music went on into the evening, including from Dorset political activist and singer-songwriter Billy Bragg.

South West TUC Regional Secretary and festival organiser Nigel Costley hailed the 2011 festival as a great success despite the unpredictable weather.

He said: “The festival pays tribute and honours the sacrifice made by not only the six men who were transported, but their wives and families too.”

He added: “I think some people were put off by the weather but we have still had a great turnout.

“We’ve had a record number of tickets sold – it has beaten last year.”

One of the speakers, shadow environment minister Mary Creagh, said yesterday: “Remember six Tolpuddle martyrs who met under the sycamore tree.

“Those brave men dared to dream of fair wages for farm workers.”

She added: “Now we will fight the battle of Tolpuddle once more.”

Speaker former MP Tony Benn added: “Tolpuddle is a great national event and today, with the recent strikes against the government and defeat of Rupert Murdoch, should give us hope.”

Unison Dorset branch secretary Pamela Jefferies said the festival ‘is not just about the past, but about the future’.

After taking to the stage, the guest speakers walked to St John’s Church to lay wreaths on the grave of martyr James Hammett – the only martyr who settled again in Tolpuddle.

During the laying of the wreaths, crowds sang ‘We will, we will, we will be free’ – a famous line written by martyr George Loveless after being sentenced to transportation.

This was followed by the main rally and procession where flags were waved, banners were held and anti-cuts rhymes were chanted.

Margaret McGuinness, 58, who has been attending the festival for more than 30 years, added: “It’s a place where like-minded people can get together.”

Colin Smith, 72, who was at the festival with his wife Sue, said: “It recharges the political batteries and it’s brilliant to get the feeling of solidarity against the Tory cuts.”