Inspirational tributes paid to former Tolpuddle stalwarts Tony Benn and Bob Crow sparked a standing ovation yesterday as the biggest martyrs festival in decades finished in a rousing rally.

A roar rebounded around the Dorset countryside as thousands of trade unionists rose in memory of the labour movement heroes who passed away within days of each other in March.

Emily Benn described how her grandfather “loved the history” of the event to remember the sacrifice of the six Toldpuddle Martyrs.

She said: “It feels very strange for me to be here without him.

“Every year, this would recharge his activist, this was his inspiration to keep fighting for the years ahead.”

Meeting to mark the martyrs without “two brave men who had Toldpuddle running through their veins” was a loss, said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady.

But she said the two men from very different backgrounds “shared a belief that by being united we can achieve far, far more than we can achieve alone.”

That was more important than ever in the face of fresh Tory attacks on workers’ right to strike, Ms O’Grady told the crowds.

Organisers said the turnout was the biggest in 30 years.

And this year’s Tolpuddle march showed that the Tories not only face a movement growing in numbers — but one growing in diversity too.

Under a sea of bright union banners, families marched through the village to the beat of brass, Bhangra and samba bands.

Unison’s Filipino nurses group danced the route to the delight of hundreds of onlookers.

They were joined by the family of the six agricultural workers who were transported to Australia for forming a trade union to fight for a living wage.

Five family members living in Canada flew in for the first time to perform a set as their band The Descendants on Saturday.

Wendy Lepine from Bournemouth also lay a wreath on James Hammett’s grave for the first time on behalf of her family.

Speaking from the graveside, she told the Star: “I felt very proud, a bit nervous but very proud.”

Working-class festival for families

The future’s bright for Britain’s trade unions if Tolpuddle is anything to go by.

Seven-year-old Billy Young from Somerset was back at the festival with sister Emily, dad Mick and and mum Tracey (pictured) after a fantastic first experience last year.

“I really liked the parade and listening to Billy Bragg,” he said.

Twelve-year-old Emily was proudly wearing her “Born in the NHS” T-shirt she bought at the festival.

They were among families lapping up the sun on the festival field yesterday while taking part in the vibrant display of working-class culture.

Unite member Florence was also at the festival for the first time with her son Finlay and mum Alison.

She said: “I didn’t know what to expect and I’ve absolutely loved it.

“I wasn’t expecting to see so many people having a nice time while engaging in politics in such an optimistic way.”

Finlay described the experience as “absolutely fantastic.”

Labour candidate Benn backs Star

“We used to get it delivered and I remember him writing his Friday column,” Tony Benn’s granddaughter Emily said yesterday after reciving a copy of the paper at the Tolpuddle Festival.

Ms Benn, 24, who said her granddad would have been proud of her supporting the paper, has been selected to stand for Labour at Croydon South in 2015’s general election.

She faces an uphill battle to win over the constituency’s 15,818 Tory majority.