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Derby Silk Mill Festival – from 1834 to 2024
BILL GREENSHIELDS looks ahead to a lively event this weekend which draws the parallels of working-class struggle from the 19th century to today
A mural commemorating the lockout, painted in the mid-80s, on the side of the Silk Mill pub in Full Street by the Derby Community Arts Project
[Russ Hamer/Creative Commons]
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DERBY’S Silk Mill Festival on June 8 commemorates Britain’s first organised struggle of industrial workers, the 1833-34 struggle of Silk Mill and other workers — the same years as the agricultural workers’ struggle in Tolpuddle. Both fights were against pay cuts and victimisation, for trade union rights and a decent life for all — fights which continue to this day.
Organised by Derby’s Trades Union Council & People’s Assembly, and Midlands TUC, a lively march will be led through the town by Deep Down Brass, an exciting and energising local band updating the tradition of marching brass bands.
This will be followed by a People’s Festival including trade union and community campaign stalls, lots of kids’ activities, food and drink, three live bands — Sura Laynes, 5 Hills Out and Bleeding Hearts — all hosted by Derby’s renowned poet Sophie Sparham.
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BILL GREENSHIELDS invites all and sundry to this years’ Derby Silk Mill Lockout March, Rally and People’s Festival on June 7
Join the traditional march from Clerkenwell Green, which will bring together countless international workers’ organisations in a statement against the far right