Newport Rising Festival 2024: Commemorating
185 Years of Chartism
The Newport Rising Festival returns this November to mark the 185th anniversary of the historic Newport Rising of 1839. This annual event has grown into a celebration of Chartist history, culture, and the power of collective action, drawing crowds from across Newport and beyond.
The highlight of this year’s festival will be the Torch-lit March on the 02 of November, a moving re-enactment that commemorates the historic march on the Westgate Hotel. Leading the procession this year is Welsh actor Julian Lewis Jones, known for his roles in Justice League and House of the Dragon. Julian will help set the tone for what promises to be an inspiring and memorable event.
In addition to the always popular Chartist Convention, the festival will feature a host of other activities, including history talks, workshops, live music, and performances across various venues in Newport. Among the headline acts is Welsh band Adwaith, performing at the post-march gig at the Corn Exchange, supported by Slate and Joe Kelly and the Royal Pharmacy.
Newport Rising Festival continues to celebrate the legacy of the Chartists, linking their fight for democratic rights with contemporary issues and ensuring their story continues to inspire generations to come.
Tickets for the Torch-lit March and other festival events are available now at NEWPORT RISING
1. Solidarity across the Severn: Newport, Bristol and Reform in 1831.
BOOK LAUNCH of Roger Ball's new book published by SIX POINTS
Thursday October 10th at 7pm - All welcome!
2. Historical Food Exhibition Newport Food Festival 12 & 13 October
What did rich people eat in Chartist Times?
3. Newport Rising Festival A wide range of events at this year's Rising Festival. Music, Performance, Politics and the spectacular TORCH_LIT MARCH from Belle Vue Park to Westgate Square on 02 Novembers
4. Newport Chartist Convention.
Profiles of speakers
Full programme
5. Dorothy Thompson Chartism Day Conference at Reading University
(07 September 2024) organised by the Society for the Study of Labour History: Joan Allen's address - a Tribute to the great Chartist Historian Dorothy Thompson.
Grace Handworker-French highlights the innovative paper of Dr Matt Roberts concerning Chartism and Disability - a hitherto unrecognised issue in Chartist studies. Dr Roberts is speaking at the 2024 Newport Chartist convention.
7. The Attempted Rescue of Henry Vincent in 1839. This police report from the Monmouthshire Merlin of 1841 tells the amusing story of the "Formidable Chartist "Jim the Sweep" who attempted to rescue Henry Vincent from the Kings Head in 1839 and assaulted a Special Constable nicknamed "Jemmy Toot Toot" because of his speech impediment.
8. Unveiling of the Lady Rhondda Statue in Newport.
The Newport Suffragette, Lady Rhondda was commemorated in her home town with a statue on the east side of the river.
9. Professor Chris Williams (1963-2024):
An Appreciation
The University of South Wales presents a day school to remember Chris Williams and celebrate his immense contribution to Welsh history.
Sat 12 Oct 2024 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor: Les James
Web Editor & Designer: David Mayer
Assistant Editors: David Osmond & Ray Stroud
Family History: Sarah Richards
Academic Consultant: Dr. Joan Allen
Correspondence: les.james22@gmail.com
