May Day has been the day to celebrate workers’ struggles and victories for many years. Originally a holiday to commemorate the 1886 USA general strike, it was then adopted by the Second International as a day of demonstration for the 8 hour work day. Ever since, it has been an event for the workers to show their power, with trade union and Communist Party rallies and marches taking place across the globe every year.
The largest of these events in Britain takes place in London on the 1st of May every year (details below) but there are many others in cities across the nation.
Below we have collected details of all the major International Workers’ Day events taking place on and around the first of May in Britain. Please contact us if you know of any we’ve missed.
Aberdeen
Saturday 4th may 2024
Aberdeen May Day march
“11am: Meet at Rubislaw Terrace
11:30am: March off to the Castlegate for speakers and entertainment.
Full programme to be confirmed.”
Chesterfield
Monday 6th May 2024
Chesterfield May Day march and gala
One of the biggest May Day events outside London. A great day out with a march, speeches and a bit of a party.
“Chesterfield May Day 2024 will be marking the 40th anniversary of the Great MIners’ Strike of 1984/85.
Assemble 10.30am at Chesterfield Town Hall on Rose Hill S40 1LP. The march will be led off by the Ireland Colliery Band and Derbyshire miners’ banners from the 84/85 strike, as we make our way to the rally in New Square.
Samba bands will add a flavour of carnival.
Our great line up of speakers includes
John Burrows: Derbyshire NUM
Fran Heathcote: General Secretary PCS
Dima Al Shami: Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Libby Nolan: President UNISON
Plus May Day campaign stalls & live music in New Square.”
Dundee
Friday 3rd May 2024
Dundee May Day Social
7:30pm – 11:30pm
Ticketed event taking place at Queen’s Hotel.
Saturday 4th May 2024
Dundee May Day march
“12 noon March off Unite the Union, 110 Blackness Road.
Rally at Albert Square by Burns’ Statue.
Speakers TBC”
Note: The above link states the date as “Sunday 4th May”, but the 4th is a Saturday. We have confirmed that the march is actually taking place on the Saturday.
Edinburgh
Sunday 5th May 2024
Edinburgh and Lothian May Day march
“11.30 Assemble on Johnston Terrace (top end)
12.00 March to Pleasance
Rally upstairs at the Pleasance Theatre
Stalls in Cabaret Bar. Bar open.
Compere: Susan Morrison
Speakers: Tasneem Ali Muslim Women’s Association; Amanda Fyffe, Living Rent; Mike Cowley, EIS-FELA; Mick Hogg, Ex-miner
Music: Penny Stone, Elsie MacDonald & Stockbridge Pipe Band.
Glasgow
There are a great number of events taking place through April and May for international Workers’ Day. From banner making to film screenings, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to check out the full programme linked below.
Sunday 5th May 2024
Glasgow May Day march and rally
“The Glasgow Trades Union Council has a full programme of events planned during April & May, with the main march & rally taking place on Sunday 5th May. You can view the whole programme by clicking here.
11am Assemble George Square
11.30am March
12.45pm Rally at Glasgow University Student Union”
Leeds
Saturday 4th May 2024
Leeds March For Peace
Now more than 130 years old, Leeds May Day is the biggest within Yorkshire. This year they have taken up the cause for peace in Palestine and are linking the event in with the many Palestine solidarity events that have taken place in the city recently.
Meeting at Leeds Art Gallery from 11:30am.
London
Wednesday 1st May 2024
London May Day march and rally
The oldest and biggest International Workers’ Day event in the UK. Attended by tens of thousands, Socialist and Communist parties and the Trade Unions march through the streets of London from Islington to Trafalgar Square. Meets near the Marx Memorial Library where Lenin worked while living in London.
“Assemble Clerkenwell Green from 12.00
Wednesday May 1st 2024
Speakers include
MICK LYNCH RMT GS
DANIEL KEBEDE NEU GS
This will be a focus for putting forward workers concerns in this period of turmoil.
Fighting attacks on trade unions, with the continuing cuts and profits booming for the fat cats, trade unions have clear demands. The situation for the people of Gaza/Palestine has appalled the public and cannot be ignored.
Clear support for improving the living conditions of most of the population is a core concern for trade unionists.”
Swansea
Saturday 4th May 2024
Swansea May Day rally
Meeting at Castle Square at 12pm.
Wakefield
Saturday 11th May 2024
With Banners Held High
While not a May Day event, With Banners Held High is a large Trade Unionist event held in Wakefield in May every year. With various talks and workshops it is a key annual socialist event in Britain.
Meeting at 10:30am at Smyth street for a march before the events.
Hull Communist Group 