A NEW union was formed this weekend when the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival witnessed its first ever wedding.

Liverpudlian Gary Kilroy and his wife Lynn Barter, from Yorkshire, held their show of spousal solidarity at the Martyrs’ Museum, which applied for a wedding licence especially to stage the special ceremony.

Family and union comrades witnessed the couple’s exchange of vows on Friday exactly a year after Gary proposed to Lynn at last year’s festival.

The Aslef executive ­member explained that he “spontaneously” popped the question after getting “caught up in the atmosphere” of his first Tolpuddle experience.

“We really enjoyed it last year, so we thought we should should come back this year and get married,” he told the Star.
“Now I’ve got no excuse to forget the anniversary.”

Probation officer and Unison member Lynn added: “No-one knew what to expect from a wedding at a festival, but everyone said it’s the best wedding they’ve ever been to.

“It was so relaxed and informal — it really suited our personalities.”

The pair were later brought on to the main stage for a round of applause.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes was among the guests at Friday’s wedding.

Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn gave the comradely couple his blessing, posing for a photo with them.

“It’s a great way to celebrate the history of our union movement as they celebrate their own union,” he said.

Both Mr Kilroy and Ms Barter are voting for the left candidate.

But proud best man Big Al told the Star: “I bet Jeremy couldn’t give a better best man speech than me.”