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’. However, in Littleborough it is an occassion for family fun and celebration of the various forms of folk music and dance
Littleborough Rushbearing was revived in 1991 by Rochdale Morris. The project was successfully achieved with the help of Littleborough Action Group and has become an important part of Littleborough’s calendar of events.
It is now organised by LEAF in conjunction with Oakenhoof Folk Arts.
The dancers will parade the Rushcart through Littleborough to Hare Hill Park where there are demonstrations, games, sports, and stalls of various kinds.
Saturday 16th July 2022
We welcome stall-holders to join us on the day.
- Food stalls - £40
- Non-food/Craft stalls - £30
- Charity stalls - £15