Bradshaw Mummers

The Bradshaw Mummers were formed as a one-off entertainment for the now defunct Bradshaw Tavern Folk Club New Years' Eve party in 1972.

Since no one could think of an excuse to stop, they became a permanent side and have since inflicted themselves not just on Sowerby Bridge but the rest of the country as well including Chester. Middlewich, Beverley, Warwick, Bromyard, Clitheroe and anywhere else brave enough to book a team with its own resident pyromaniac.

Those of a nervous disposition or lovers of serious acting are advised to look away now!

Ryburn Longsword

Our local team from Ripponden, Ryburn have been dancing in the Yorkshire Longsword style since 1994. Evidence suggests that similar dances were being performed only a few miles from Ripponden in the 18th and 19th centuries. They have established quite a reputation amongst the sword dance fraternity for their range of traditional and original figures, which includes a six-sword lock representing the design of the Rushcart’s triangle.

Manchester Morris Men

Manchester Morris Men have danced the traditional North West morris dances for well over 50 years, in many places and at all sorts of events from Manchester to Madeira.

On a summer Thursday evening they can be seen outside one of the pubs in the local area dancing in red and yellow sashes, blue cummerbund, black breeches with yellow piping and red stockings, Lancashire bell-pads, clogs and flowered bowler hats.

Clerical Error

‘If music be the food of love …Clerical Error are the indigestion.’

They’re back! Blacked up faces, fearsome sticks, dancing welsh border morris with awesome vitality and energy in top hat and tails, tri-coloured ribbons of Wales: red for the dragon, yellow for the daffodil, and green for the leek.

Eynsham Morris

Always welcome visitors to northern Rushbearing Festivals, Eynsham only dances its own dances in Cotswold style in smocks breaches and red sash with hankies and sticks. Eynsham have danced from Dartmoor to Denmark and New York but are also proud to dance regularly at Blenheim Palace, continuing a tradition at least a century old.

Hebden Bridge Hill Millies

Back by ‘mutual demand’ after their debut at last year’s Rushbearing Festival we are delighted to welcome the return of the Hebden Bridge Hill Millies. This all female Cotswold side dance in maroon waistcoats and black trousers at numerous events as well as Rushbearing Festivals and the Bacup ‘Crown weekend’.

The Peace Artistes

The Peace Artistes is a stunning 17 strong street band of percussion, saxes and brass. Rocking with rhythm and pulsating with passion the Peace Artistes were formed in Bradford 1983 to perform on marches organised by the Peace Movement and even welcomed Archbishop Desmond Tutu on his visit in 1987.

Now internationally renowned for their vital, energetic performance at festivals, carnivals and indoor events their irresistible blend of African, Salsa, Folk and Funk will always get the party partying.