DEFIANT Jeremy Corbyn who is battling to remain as leader of the Labour Party faces an audience in Dorset this weekend.

He's lined up as the main speaker at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival on Sunday.

Thousands of trade unionists are set to visit the village to commemorate the six farm workers transported to Australia after forming a union.

The festival combines passionate speeches, music, poetry and a grand procession.

Labour's national executive committee (NEC) yesterday decided Mr Corbyn's name should automatically appear on the ballot paper in the leadership contest triggered by Angela Eagle.

Mr Corbyn said MPs should come together after it was agreed to automatically include him on the ballot following six hours of fraught discussions.

The decision is a major blow to the majority of Labour's MPs who are desperate to overthrow the leader they say does not have what it takes to lead them to power.

The Labour leadership row has plunged the party into crisis in recent weeks - but Jeremy Corbyn has stood strong in these turbulent political times.

It will be his second visit to this part of the world in four months after a visit to Portland in the spring where he met local members and indicated his support for the Kingfisher Ward campaign at Dorset County Hospital.

His speech on the main day of the three-day festival in Tolpuddle, which celebrates the memory of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and trade unionism, is likely to be the highlight of the event, which runs from July 15-17.

Festival organiser Nigel Costley said: “The events at Tolpuddle in 1834 showed when working people organise they can safeguard their basic rights.

“In today’s turbulent times, working people more than ever need the protection a trade union provides. With uncertainty over Brexit, we will mobilise again to protect workers’ rights if we have to.

“We’re looking forward to a fantastic weekend to celebrate the trade union movement with our traditional mix of great music, comedy and politics.”

Events kick off on Friday evening with bands, speeches and cinema.

Saturday sees more music and discussion, plus stalls and poetry.

Music includes performances from The Skimmity Hitchers, and the Tom Robinson Band.

Sunday is the main day with a procession through the village, wreath laying at the grave of James Hammett plus mor emusic and speeches.

As well as Mr Corbyn, new Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees and TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady will speak.

Music includes Ferocious Dog and Dreadzone.

Tickets must be purchased for Friday and Saturday events but Sunday is free.