LittleboroughLocal

Littleborough Rushbearing Festival 2011

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.

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

Friday 29th July 2011

8:30 pm
Folk sing-a-round at the Conservative Club.

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

Saturday 30th July 2011

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 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Tricks4Treats Dog Display Team

11:00 am - Punch & Judy Show
11:30 am - Tricks4Treats Dog Display Team
12:00 pm - Performance by Littleborough Band
12:30 pm - Morris Dancing
1:00 pm - Viking Battle Re-enactment
1:30 pm - Punch & Judy Show
2:00 pm - Performance by Littleborough Band
2:30 pm - Tricks4Treats Dog Display Team
3:00 pm - Viking Combat Display

Plus:

Morton Sports obstacle course
Skylight Circus from 12:30 til 3:30 pm
Viking Living History displays
Stalls
Fun fair
8:00 pm - 4square concert at Littleborough Cricket Club. £5 on the door.

NEW FOR 2011 - GET INVOLVED

You can get involved by learning to play an instrument on Saturday and then performing in the Square on Sunday. All workshops take place from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm

Whistle and guitar workshops at Littleborough Conservative Club provided by Folkus tutors Fred Rose and Derek Gifford.

Beginners Percussive Step Clog Dance at Littleborough Conservative Club with Nicola Lyons from (4Square and Demon Barbers).

Percussion workshop at the Hare Hill Bowling Club with Dan Day and Jim Molyneux from 4Square (BBC Young Musician finalist and semi finalist in 2008).

Please ring or text 07530 966 374 to book (£3 fee).

Sunday 31st July 2011

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