Banners, bands, and pride as working-class organisations from across Tyneside march from Gateshead through Newcastle to celebration a century of activism.

Established initially to commemorate the Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886, Worker's Day or International Worker's Day has become a celebration of the contribution to society of labourers and the working-classes as well as a recognition of those union leaders who have committed to and inspired other to fight for their rights to improve working conditions. What was traditionally a spring or pagan festival linked to ancient agricultural rights, May Day was chosen in 1889 by the Marxist International Socialist Congress as the day when workers could demand an 8-hour day, the same demands which ended in tragedy during the Haymarket Riot. Since the first International Worker's Day in 1890, millions of people have won fundamental rights and protections. Today, more than 80 countries around the world celebrate International Worker's Day as a public holiday. Since the global financial crisis of 2008, there has been a steady rise in the number of people working part-time or on zero-hours contracts, as well as part of the new 'gig economy'. These new work practices threaten many of the employment rights gained over the years, so there has never been a more pressing need for worker solidarity, to fight together for the likes of the minimum wage, paid holidays, and sick pay.

On Saturday, 5th May, 1990 Tyneside's working class organisations celebrated one hundred years since the first May Day March in 1890. The film provides a record of this centenary march from the East and West of Newcastle and from Gateshead, culminating at Exhibition Park, Newcastle, where the major events of the day took place.