Remember our democratic pioneers at Leveller's Day (From Witney Gazette)

Remember our democratic pioneers at Leveller's Day

5:00pm Wednesday 16th May 2012 in Entertainment By Tom Jennings

DESPITE West Oxfordshire’s reputation as a hub of Conservatism, an annual day celebrating protest and dissent will take place in Burford this Saturday.

Levellers’ Day remembers, through talks, discussion and music, the execution of three rebels by Oliver Cromwell in 1649, during the English Civil War.

There are still bullet marks in the stonework of Burford Church where Cromwell’s men are said to have shot the self-proclaimed Levellers – a group of soldiers who rebelled against the dictator when he failed to introduce democracy.

This year’s Levellers’ Day will feature talks from Hannah Lownsbrough, campaign director of 38 Degrees; Adam Ramsey, of UK Uncut; Alex Grodon, president of RMT; and comedian and self-styled sceptic Iszi Lawrence.

There will also be music from Oxford’s jazz-swing maestros The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band and the annual procession through the town. See listings.