THE main event of any Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival may be Sunday’s march and rally, but this year the celebrations have lasted all week.

For the first time, general union GMB organised its own campsite opposite the main festival grounds to give their hard-pressed members a free holiday.

The offer attracted many of the families who have been hit by the Tories’ savage cuts.

Matt and Lisa Rowe arrived last Monday for their first week away since 2010, shortly after the Con-Dem government was formed.

“When we heard that the union was providing free camping and festival passes, it was an opportunity to have a holiday for the first time in five years,” British Gas engineer and GMB member of 33 years Mr Rowe told the Star.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it otherwise and I’ve always wanted to come to Tolpuddle.”

Ms Rowe agreed, saying: “It would take us a really long time to save up for a holiday so this has been great.

“We’ve made the most of it, visiting all the local sites as well as the festival. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

GMB Southern region secretary Paul Maloney has already committed to making the union camping trip an annual event.

“We represent lots of workers on zero-hours contracts and the minimum wage,” he said.

“Many of them haven’t had a break for many years, so we hired the field and facilities to make sure they could this year.

“They’ve enjoyed the Dorset countryside and it’s brought more people to the festival, so it’s been a win-win situation.”