Thousands gather at Burston rally to honour the longest strike in British history

editorial@dissexpress.co.uk

Published: 10:02, 04 September 2018

| Updated: 10:17, 04 September 2018

Burston Strike Rally to marks the longest strike in history. The march makes it way around the village. Picture by Mark Bullimore Photography.

The lasting impact of the Burston School Strike was made clear at the annual commemoration of the event on Sunday.

Running annually since 1984, Sunday’s event saw speeches from shadow chancellor John McDonnell, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services’ Union Mark Serwotka, and RMT general secretary Mike Cash.

Comedians and musicians also took to the stage as part of the day's events.

RMT Brass band performing in front of the stage. Picture by Mark Bullimore Photography.

The rally paid tribute to the 66 children who took part in the longest strike in British history.

In 1914, the children walked out in support of teachers Tom and Kitty Higdon. The pair were dismissed due to their association with the Agricultural Workers’ Union, which brought them into conflict with the Church of England and local squirearchy.

The strike ran until 1939.

Pick up a copy of this Friday's Diss Express newspaper for four-pages of pictures and information on this year's Burston Strike Rally.

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