Days of Hope: General Strike Centenary Exhibition

Join Cllr Lyn Suddards, Mayor of Ashford, for the launch of a new exhibition marking 100 years since the 1926 General Strike, highlighting Ashford’s role in trade union history. The exhibition explores the strike’s roots in the coal crisis, its impact on everyday life, and why it remains a defining moment in working-class and trade union history.

Event details

• Launch event: Exhibition launch with drinks, canapés and a film screening
• Date: Sunday 3 May 2026
• Time: 4:00pm–7:30pm
• Location: The Ashford Cinema, Elwick Place
• Ticket price: £12.50

Speakers

• Barbara Plant, National President, GMB
• Simon Renton
• Ken Loach (introducing his film General Strike)

Exhibition dates

Ashford Cinema (Elwick Place): 3–8 May 2026

Ashford Museum: continues from 12 May 2026

Organised by

Ashford Borough Council in partnership with ASLEF, GMB, RMT, TSSA, the TUC and Ashford Museum.