Is there perhaps some irony in that performing this year is Eric Bogle - coming as he is, from the very place where many of the Martyrs were transported to, thousands of miles from their homes? [Or at least all the way from the previous gig of his UK tour]

I think that not making the trip from NZ to Tolpuddle can be forgiven....After all - it is a little bit more than a five and half hour drive.