LittleboroughLocal

Littleborough Rushbearing Festival 2012

Rushbearing Festival

Rushbearing began in the 10th century when Pope Gregory decreed that rushes should be taken to church on its Saints Day to cover the earth floor for warmth. At Grassmere the rushes are still carried in procession, but in Lancashire and parts of Yorkshire the procession became more elaborate with the rushes being conveyed on decorated carts.

The tradition continued in many areas until Victorian times when it was banned for encouraging "drunkenness and lewd behaviour". Littleborough Rushbearing was revived in 1991 when someone in Rochdale Morris said "Wouldn't it be a good idea to have a Rushcart to celebrate our 10th anniversary?"

The Littleborough Rushcart Festival has grown over the years into a full weekend of fun and activities for all the family.

Download your own Rushbearing timetable here.

Please note:
Activities and events are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.

Friday 20th July 2012

8:00 pm
Folk Night at the Conservative Club.

Singers and musicians welcome for a friendly informal start to the Rushbearing Weekend. Admission is FREE.

Saturday 21st July 2012

Littleborough Rushbearing Festival Saturday sees the Rushcart procession start at the Moorcock Inn pub on Halifax Road. The procession will then go down Blackstone Edge to Hare Hill Park before heading down to the centre of Littleborough and then follow Hollingworth Road to the Wine Press Inn at Hollingworth Lake.

The festival will centre around Hare Hill Park which will have fairground rides, fun activities and attractions for all the family.

All times are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.

Rushcart Procession Times

10:15 am - The Rushcart departs from The Moorcock
11:00 am - Stop off at The Rake Tapas
12:00 pm - Rushcart arrives in Hare Hill Park
1:15 pm - Rushcart arrives in Littleborough Square
3:15 pm - Rushcart arrives at it's final destination at The Wine Press (Hollingworth Lake)

Fun in the Park from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tricks4Treats Dog Display Team

10:00 am - Punch & Judy Show
10:30 am - Tricks4Treats Dog Display Team
11:30 pm - Performance by Littleborough Band
12:00 pm - Arrival of Rushcart
12:30 pm - Morris Dancing
1:30 pm - Viking Battle Re-enactment
2:00 pm - Punch & Judy Show
2:30 pm - Performance by Littleborough Band / Children's Viking Session
3:30 pm - Tricks4Treats Dog Display Team
4:30 pm - Viking Combat Display

Plus:

Morton Sports obstacle course
Skylight Circus from 12:30 til 3:30 pm
Viking Living History displays
Charity, Craft and Farmers' Market Stalls
Fun fair

Sunday 22nd July 2012

Sunday sees the Rushcart procession start at Hollingworth Lake Visitor's Centre. The procession will then stop off at the Wine Press before heading down Hollingworth Road to the centre of Littleborough.

The festival will centre around Littleborough Square which will have music, dancing and attractions for all the family.

The fairground rides will also be in Hare Hill Park from Noon.

All times are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.

Rushcart Procession Times