The Burston Strike School rally, celebrating the longest strike in British history, due to have been held on Sunday 6 September, has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is the first time since the rally started in 1984 at the village near Diss in Norfolk that the event has not been held.

Unite regional officer and event organiser Miles Hubbard said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel this year’s rally for the first time in its 36-year history, but under the circumstances, due to Covid-19, it would be unwise to go ahead. 

“However, we are confident that the rally will return, just as vibrant and its messages of solidarity just as strong, in 2021.”

The Burston Strike School was a result of the sacking of two socialist teachers, Tom and Kitty Higdon in 1914. Children and parents refused to attend the local Church of England school and instead the school was set up on the village green. It remained open until 1939.

Past speakers at the rally have included Jeremy Corbyn, Tony Benn and Diane Abbott, as well Unite’s general secretary Len McCluskey.