WORKER CO-OP WEEKEND: SOLIDARITY FOREVER
Thornbridge Outdoors, Peak District, 16-18 May 2025
WCW is shaping up to be the biggest and best gathering of worker cooperators, supoporters and the worker co-op curious for more than 25 years. Our theme this year is about building power through mutual learning and coalition.
Worker cooperation is not just a way to improve the everyday lives of worker members. Our co-ops can strengthen the wider movement for social, economic and climate justice. In the process, we are building the infrastructure for providing goods and services in a way that points to a different kind of society.
The programme of sessions, topics, speaker and activities is being finalised - meanwhile, here’s a taster:
Stream 1: Building stronger co-ops
- Skill-shares from experts on Finance, HR, Governance and Marketing
- Givers Gain business referrals
- Industry networking in specific sectors
- ‘Talent match’ internship programme funded by Loughborough University
Stream 2: Building a movement
- Growing worker power: Strategies for food justice
- Please don’t stop the music: Worker control in the fight for venues
- Platform co-ops: Lessons from Argentina for the UK
- Going green: Worker ownership in the ‘Just Transition’
- 250 years of struggle: A political history of Worker Coops
Stream 3: Less work, more play!
- Bike repair, cooking class, somatic practices and printing workshops run by member co-ops
- Wild-swimming and walking the beautiful Monsal Trail
- Live Podcast Recording
- Saturday night party with raffle and dancing
- Bonfire!
Little Cooperators Kids Programme
For ages 3+ and run by a team of professional childminders.
- Creative Corner (t-shirt printing and zine making)
- Nature Explorers (den-building, scavenger hunts, forest trail)
- Fireside fun (marshmallow roasting, songs and storytelling)
- Coop challenges! (fun games that involve working together)
Buy tickets now
PRACTICAL INFO
Start/end times: Arrival is 18:00 on Friday 16th (but not before due to not being allowed on site), for pitching tents and an evening meal. The programme ends Sunday 18th afternoon. Leaving site latest 16.00 Sunday.
Tickets: Places are limited so book your ticket now! (Private teepees have already sold out.) Member prices for the full weekend start at £80 with all meals included. Kids attend free of charge.
Accommodation and bedding: Options include camping, shared teepees and dormitories, but note that we’re nearly fully booked for teepees and dorms, so camping or a local B&B are your best options if you haven’t registered yet. More details about what to bring are on the booking page.
Catering: Veggies Coop are again doing delicious meals from Friday dinner until Sunday lunch. If you’re a co-op who can bring snacks and food, please get in touch!
Transport: The nearest station is Grindleford, or Great Longstone by bus. There are free minibuses from London and Sheffield but spots are running out so email mira@workers.coop to book a space. Get in touch with Green City if coming from Scotland for transport sharing.
See here for more detail on getting to Thornbridge Outdoors.
