'Action packed' Women Chainmakers' Festival set to return to Cradley Heath this weekend

Now held annually in the town after its previous home at the Black Country Museum and Bearmore Park, organisers promise this year’s event to be as “action packed as ever”.

The free festival sees thousands of people descend on the town for the festivities which honour the women of Cradley Heath who went on strike for better pay and conditions in 1910.

Taking place from 11am until 5pm on Saturday (July 1), this year’s event will include stalls, face painting, circus skills, a funfair, music and theatrical performances.

Organised by the TUC, the event is determined to keep the memory alive of Mary Macarthur's historic fight for a minimum wage.

The festival re-enacts the struggle and celebrates the achievements of the trade union movement both then and now.

Rob Johnston, campaigns officer at Midlands TUC, said: “We are delighted that the TUC Women Chainmakers’ Festival will be back in Cradley Heath and that it will be as big and action packed as ever.

“From face painting to street theatre, face painting, marching brass bands, stalls, music and comedy there is something in the festival for people of all ages.

“And, of course, never has it been more important to remember the struggles of the women chainmakers of 1910. Their battle for a minimum wage and fair treatment at work is a battle that the people of the Black Country are fighting today.

“So, let’s celebrate the past, have a great family friendly day and work towards securing equality and justice for the people of the Black Country today.”

Speakers confirmed for the festival include Janice Godrich from PCS, ex Halesowen & Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal, shadow secretary of state for education Angela Rayner MP, Linda Roy of CWU, Kathy Dyson from MU, Kathy Wallis of NASUWT, Louise Regan from NUT, Tricia Clough from WASPI, and Su Lowe of UNITE.