Merthyr Rising gets the thumbs up from UNISON

Activists from Merthyr and RCT UNISON getting ready for two days of staffing the stall.

Over the weekend of 3rd to 5th June 2016, Merthyr Tydfil Commemorated the anniversary of the 1831 rising, at which the red flag was flown as a symbol of protest for the first time.

The third Merthyr Rising Festival mixed music, culture, art and politics throughout the town, giving the area a much needed boost for the weekend.

The event was jointly sponsored by Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff local government branches of UNISON, their first joint venture since they took the decision to merge into one new branch, Cwm Taf Local Government Area Branch.

The sun shone and families lapped up the atmosphere, whilst the more dedicated radicals hid themselves indoors to debate issues such as the future of the trade union movement and the EU Referendum.

DSC_0645On the Sunday trade unionists from all over Wales brought their branch banners along for a march through the town, led by the Tylorstown band.

Peter Crews, Shadow Branch Secretary for Cwm Taf Local Government Area Branch, stated: “it has been a great success. Even better than I had thought and there is great potential for growing the festival. There is a good balance between music, culture and politics.”

“Some people have just come for the music, which is fine, but there have been cultural events, film screenings, comedy, an art exhibition and much more. There have also been political speakers and the trade union march through town. I think it has hit the right balance”.

“It is not my individual decision but I will be pushing for UNISON to be at the forefront of helping this festival grow. Public services have an impact on everyone in the area and I think it is appropriate that we, as the biggest public service union, are involved in building on the hard work has been done this weekend.”