Centenary festival does credit to The Chainmakers

The 2010 centenary celebration of the historic victory of the women chainmakers of Cradley Heath saw over 4,000 people in attendance. Visitors came from far and wide with delegations from the south west, Ireland, Soctland and Kent all enjoing some late summer sunshine in the Black Country

They heard speeches before the banner parade from Billy Hayes of the CWU, Mary Turner, President of the GMB, and Sylvia Heal, former local MP and past Deputy Speaker of teh House of Commons. After the Banner procession - the biggest by far so far seen at the festival - speeches were received from Eleanor Smith, Vice President of UNISON and legendary figure of the Left, Tony Benn.

Music this year was provided by excellent Black Country musicians, both in the Leftfield, aroung the Museum village and on the main UNISON stage.

Stacey Blythe gave a perfect rendition of her Chainmakers song, backed this year by the Nottingham Clarion Choir.

Our headline act was The Unthanks who played despite the crowd being decimated by late rain showers.