Friday night sees the traditional pre-Rushbearing get-together at The Works in Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge.

The focus of the entertainment on Saturday is around the Sowerby Bridge Market in its splendid new location on Wharf Street. The hugely popular charity and crafts market will be entertained with performances by Friendly brass band.

Leading the procession through Sowerby Bridge will be the internationally acclaimed street musicians The Peace Artistes. Once again the mid-afternoon halt will be just off Wharf Street in Hollins Mill Lane where there will be music and Morris Dancing displays.

There will be a traditional funfair in the Canal Basin and the weekend would not be complete without a visit to the ever-popular Norland Scarecrow Trail. Listen to the live music on the Saturday night at many venues in and around Sowerby Bridge – for more details see their advertisements in this programme. 

Sunday morning begins with the traditional Rushbearing Festival service at St. Peter’s Church, Sowerby and during the afternoon Ripponden holds its annual Village Fair with the weekend Flower Festival, and music from the Huddersfield & Ripponden Brass Band.

The weekend draws to a close as the whole colourful procession arrives in Ripponden and at the end of the afternoon the Songs of Praise service takes place in St. Bartholomew’s church.

Saturday

Sowerby Bridge

2.00pm to 6.30pm, St Paul’s Church – Horticultural Show
12.30pm, St Patrick’s Church – The Peace Artistes
2.00pm, Market Place Wharf Street, Friendly Brass Band – Craft/Charity Market
Canal Basin – Children's Fun Fair

Refreshments

10.00am to 5.00pm, Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge
10.30am to 11.30am, St John’s Church Warley
12.00pm to 1.30pm, St Patrick’s Church, Bolton Brow
2.00pm to 4.00pm, St Paul’s Church, Tower Hill

Ripponden

10am to 4pm, St Bartholomew’s Church – Flower Festival

Sunday

Sowerby Bridge

10.30am, St Peter’s Church – Rushbearing Service

 Ripponden

11am to 4.30pm, St Bartholomew’s Church – Flower Festival
2.00pm, Village Fair, Huddersfield & Ripponden Brass Band, Charity Stalls and Cream Teas
5.30pm, Songs of Praise, St. Bartholomew’s Church

By the nature of this event timings over the weekend may vary slightly!