Levellers’ Day celebrated in Burford with John McDonnell

More than 200 people gathered in Burford for the 50th Levellers’ Day, an annual event held in honour of three 17th-century political dissidents who were executed in the town in 1649.

The Levellers were early Christian socialists who challenged Cromwellian rule and influenced later movements, including the American and French revolutions.

The day included performances from bands and singers (Image: Supplied)

The commemoration took place in the graveyard of St John the Baptist Church and at Warwick Hall.

Rev Mark Chapman, a professor of theology, led the remembrance ceremony and the laying of poppies in memory of Cornet Thompson, Corporal Church, and Private Perkins.

A fourth set of posies was laid in memory of Tony Benn, after whose visit to the church in 1976 the Day was launched.

It was placed by long-standing friend and Labour MP John McDonnell.

The day included a historical tour through Burford (Image: Supplied)

Mr McDonnell, MP for Hays and Harlington and former Shadow Chancellor, also addressed the crowd in a session titled ‘Fighting Reaction.’

Mr McDonnell said: “This is the most significant political moment in my lifetime.

“You cannot out-Reform Reform. You simply play into their hands. You end up encouraging people to go towards Reform.

“This is a spiral leading to the very pits of an authoritarian state.

Labour MP John McDonnell addressed the crowd in a session titled ‘Fighting Reaction’ (Image: Supplied)

“And it is a Labour Government that is allowing this to happen.”

He stopped short of calling for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.

He said: “We have gone down a cul-de-sac. But we can pull it back.

“We need new policies to unite the country, to bring people together.

“That is why I remain in the party. Give him a chance.”

More than 200 people gathered for the event (Image: Supplied)

The day began with performances by the Seagreen Singers and the Didcot Red Kites choirs in the graveyard, followed by music from folk rock band Stocious and a historical tour through Burford.

Organisers said they were “very pleased” with the turnout.

Attendees travelled from across the region, including from London.

One organiser said: “We want to express our support for freedom of expression, and for the rights of men and women to chose who governs us.”