LittleboroughLocal

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 23rd July 2010

8:00 pm
Folk sing-a-round at the Conservative Club featuring folk group Erin The Green.

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

Saturday 24th July 2010

Saturday sees the Rushcart procession start at the King William IV pub at the top of Shore.  The procession will then go down Shore Road 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

• 10:00 am - The Rushcart departs from King William IV (Shore)
• 11:00 am - Stop off at the Caldermoor
• 12:00 pm - Rushcart arrives in Hare Hill Park
• 1:00 pm - Rushcart arrives in Littleborough Square
• 3:30 pm - Rushcart arrives at it's final destination at The Wine Press (Hollingworth Lake)

Fun in the Park from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm

• 10:30 am - Punch & Judy Show
• 11:30 am - Tricks4Treats Dog Display Team
• 12:00 pm - Morris Dancing
• 12:30 pm - Viking Combat Display
• 1:00 pm - Wardle Community Band
• 1:30 pm - Punch & Judy Show
• 2:00 pm - Tricks4Treats Dog Display Team
• 2:30 pm - Punch & Judy Show
• 3:00 pm - Viking Combat Display

Plus:

• Temple Of Doom inflatable assault course
• Viking Living History displays
• Stalls
• Fun fair
• 8:00 pm - Jazz concert from New Orleans Wiggle in the Conservative Club.

Tickets for the Jazz Concert are £8 and available from the Conservative Club, Touchstones in Rochdale or from Steve Lister on 01706 373371. Supper is included in the ticket price.

Sunday 25th July 2010

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

• 11:00 am - The Rushcart departs from Hollingworth Visitor's Centre
• 12:00 pm - Rushcart stops off at The Wine Press (Hollingworth Lake) 
• 2:15 pm - Rushcart arrives in Littleborough Square

Dancing in the Square 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

• 12:30 pm - Taiko Drummers
• 1:00 pm - Littleborough Band
• 1:45 pm - Taiko Drummers
• 2:30 pm - Morris Dancing
• 3:00 pm - Pace Egg play performed by the Curtain Theatre Group
• 3:30 pm - Morris Dancing

Plus:

• 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm - Skylight Circus workshop
• Stalls
• Fun fair in the Park

In association with