UNISON has agreed a sponsorship deal with the organisers of this year’s Merthyr Rising Festival, the three-day festival of music, arts and ideas that celebrates the anniversary of the 1831 uprising.
The festival takes place over the weekend of 3-5 June at various venues throughout Merthyr Tydfil.
Events include live music from Nineties Brit Pop legends The Farm, comedy from radical comedian Mark Thomas and a talk from the Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell.
The sponsorship deal is a collaboration between the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff branches of UNISON, who are currently in the process of merging into one branch.
Merthyr Tydfil UNISON branch secretary Mike Crimmings commented: “Merthyr Tydfil played an important historical part in the development of trade unions and the labour movement as a whole.
“In June 1831 the workers of Merthyr rose up against the tyranny of employers trying to cut their pay, with the red flag being flown for the first time.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our town to celebrate its place in history and UNISON is proud to be part of the event”.
Rhondda Cynon Taff UNISON branch secretary Peter Crews said: “This annual event is now in its third year and we hope we can help it grow, and that it will become a regular fixture in the calendar of the labour movement, alongside events like the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival”.