Each year Burford in Oxfordshire hosts Levellers Day, an imaginative reconstruction based on experiences of martyrs during the English Civil War. This year is the 38th annual event, taking place on 19th May throughout the town.
The day commemorates a stand against dictatorship by Leveller soldiers in 1649 and its suppression by Cromwell. Over three hundred soldiers were locked up in Burford church; three were executed as ring leaders and buried in unmarked graves in the churchyard. A plaque commemorating them was placed on the church wall in 1979.
Levellers Day was initiated by the Oxford Industrial Branch of the WEA in 1975 to remember the Levellers and their ideals and to update and relate these to our own time through debate, entertainment and any other way that makes the subject matter inspiring, educational and enjoyable. It’s held on the Saturday nearest to 17th May, the date the three men were executed.
This year will see a host of activities including speeches, debates, a procession, ceremony and music. This year’s theme is: 'Protesting and Surviving'.
For more information please visit the Levellers Day website