Burston Strike School Rally commemorating the longest strike in British history has been expanded into a three-day weekend festival.

Diss Mercury: Crowds at Burston Stirke Rally in 2018. This year's event will be a three-day festival. Picture: Chris BishopCrowds at Burston Stirke Rally in 2018. This year's event will be a three-day festival. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of trade unionists and politicians attend the annual march through the South Norfolk village every September for a day of music and speeches that in the past has been attended by political figures including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

This year the event has been expanded with the traditional rally on September 1 preceded by the first edition of Unison's Unity festival on August 30 and 31.

Diss Mercury: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at the Burston Strike School Rally march in 2016. Picture: Denise BradleyLabour leader Jeremy Corbyn at the Burston Strike School Rally march in 2016. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant)

Taking place at nearby Woolsey Bridge Fields, just outside Diss, it will feature live music on two stages with musicians coming from as far away as Morocco and Denmark.

Geoff Dixon, curator of music for Unity, said: "We have music from 22 bands. There are speeches, discussions and question times with leading figures in the labour and union movements, and the strike school rally has another five bands with John Hegley Band headlining on the Sunday."

Diss Mercury: The Burston Stirke Rally includes live music as well as speeches. Picture: Chris BishopThe Burston Stirke Rally includes live music as well as speeches. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Burston Strike School Rally celebrates teachers Tom and Annie Higdon who sacked after complaining about conditions in the school. Children went on strike and a new 'strike school' was built on the village green with the old school boycotted for the next 25 years.

Unity Festival will also feature children's entertainment areas, yoga classes, drumming workshops, community organisation stalls, traders and amazing catering and the Burston Crown is providing the bar.

Tickets are only £24 for a weekend camping ticket, 16 and under are half price and children under 10 are free. Day tickets are £12 and £6.

- More details about Burston Strike School Rally and Unity Festival