Whitworth rushcart procession brings out the crowds

Whitworth Rushcart 2022

The Whitworth rushcart celebrations took place on the afternoon of Sunday 4 September for the first time in three years.

The procession left from Whitworth Museum featuring numerous traditional morris and other dance troupes (including the famous Britannia Coconutters, Thieving Magpies, AzKabile and the Whitworth Morris Dancers) led by the rushcart itself.

People came out in their droves to support the return of this popular event.

Whitworth’s rushcart history goes back hundreds of years; initially the celebration was linked into the cutting and collection of rushes to be strewn on the bare earth or stone flagged floor of the church as a form of insulation for the winter to come, taken to the church on the cart.

Out of this grew a celebration which was enjoyed by the whole community. In the 1970s and 1980s the rushcart was the highlight of the Whitworth Fair week; in recent times the week-long festivities have passed into history however the popularity of the rushcart itself in Whitworth is strong.

The rushcart now takes place on a Sunday afternoon each September rather than its traditional Friday night slot, and has become more family-focused.

This year, Whitworth Morris Dancers got a boost of new energy with an influx of new volunteers to continue the tradition for the years to come. The Tourism and Leisure Committee also had the help of a team of volunteer marshals to help ensure the parade could take place safely.

Organisers wish to thank all dancers and volunteers who made this event the success it was.