Littleborough Rushbearing Festival was a scorcher!
Sunshine, music, and centuries-old tradition came together on Saturday as Littleborough’s Rushbearing Festival delighted crowds with a rich mix of heritage, music, and community spirit.
Organised by the Littleborough Events and Associations Forum (LEAF) in partnership with Oakenhoof Folk Arts, the festival celebrated rushbearing, a practice that dates back to medieval times when communities would gather rushes to lay on church floors.
The festivities began with a traditional parade through Littleborough, led by Morris dancers, musicians, local Councillors, the Mayor of Rochdale, Janet Emsley, and Rochdale's MP, Paul Waugh. Residents and visitors lined the streets as performers made their way from the top of Shore to Littleborough Centre before returning to Hare Hill Park.
Live music from Littleborough Band provided the soundtrack to the procession.
A packed programme of performances followed in Hare Hill Park, showcasing a rich tapestry of folk traditions. Highlights included:
- Panache playing folk harmonies that charmed the afternoon audience
- Saddleworth Ladies Morris
- Nickie Dailly, British clog dance champion
- Ryburn Long Sword
- K-Stars Morris
- Thieving Magpie
- Oakenhoof
With each group bringing a different flavour of folk dance and music, the performances kept audiences entertained throughout the day.
Drawing a particularly enthusiastic crowd were the Viking re-enactments held in Hare Hill Park. Dressed in authentic historical attire, the Hrafnsdale Vikings staged dramatic mock battles, interactive displays, and living history displays. There was also a children's magic show, fun fair, face painting and arts and crafts from The Star Tree Studio.
The park was filled with local stalls and food vendors making the day a true celebration of Littleborough’s vibrant community life.
Organisers from LEAF and Oakenhoof hailed the day as a great success:
Zoe Attwood, Chair of LEAF, said “This years Rushbearing was a brilliant day for all ages. The volunteers showed great team work making the event run so well in the hottest temperatures we’ve experienced at the event in a long time! Our friendly team is always looking for new volunteers to help with everything from pre event planning to helping on the day. If you have some time to spare we will gladly help you make use of it. We can’t put fabulous events on like this without the help of the community and our volunteers.”
Caroline Pheasey, Squire of Oakenhoof, said "We are very proud that this year's Rushbearing Festival has been another fantastic event. We were joined by dance and music sides new and old, who joined in pulling the cart and dancing in the park and in front of Hare Hill House. LEAF have been amazing partners organising a full and fun packed day of activities in the park. We are so grateful to everyone who volunteered, supported, attended and helped make this brilliant day happen. "
If you would like to join in and help, please sign up here.
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