The annual Women Chainmakers’ Festival at the Black Country Living Museum is being revamped amid fears it has become too political, it has emerged.

Since 2005, the celebration has been held every year at the attraction to mark the 1910 chainmakers’ strike, led by trade unionist Mary Macarthur. But bosses say last year’s festival was “eclipsed” by union demonstrations.

Members were amongst the event’s 4,000 visitors and were protesting about council cuts and the privatisation of the post office.

Bosses say the “true message” of the event — and a landmark victory for women’s rights — has been lost and are now working on plans to change the festival to make sure it is not overshadowed by any demonstrations.

Director and chief executive Andrew Lovett said he still wanted to work with the Midland Trades Union Council, which has supported the event since it started.

He is talking to members to come to an agreement about this year’s event.

“The Black Country Living Museum wants the event to very much concentrate on the story of 1910. Last year the story of the Women Chainmakers of Cradley Heath was eclipsed by a demonstration about public spending cuts and even the privatisation of the post office.

“We are currently developing our plans, which include supporting a West Midlands actors’ group with their bid for funding to write and perform a new play about Mary Macarthur.

“We hope there will be a continuing role for the TUC and have let them know about our plans.”

West Midlands TUC regional secretary Alan Weaver said: “We had a meeting with Andrew Lovett where he outlined his concerns. Andrew said he had a new vision for the festival and we await more detail on this before we can discuss this further with him.”