Introduction

Rushbearing dates back several centuries to the time when rushes provided floor covering in the churches. Each year, the old, rotten rushes were thrown out and new ones were taken to the churches in carts. This gradually turned into a celebration and holiday involving revelry, music and morris dancing.

The modern Festival is the only one of its kind in Yorkshire. The focal point of the event is the sixteen feet high, two-wheeled, handsomely decorated and thatched Rushcart, which is pulled by sixty local men dressed in Panama hats, white shirts, black trousers and clogs. They are accompanied by music and five or six teams of morris dancers.

A team of young ladies take turns to ride on top of the cart. A very precarious position indeed. The colourful procession is an unforgettable spectacle as it winds its way through local villages over the course of the weekend.

Stops are made to present token rushes at the churches and to dance at public houses en route. The passage of the cart also serves as a focus for local community groups, charities and entertainment. One of the main attractions is a charity/craft market on the Saturday at Sowerby Bridge market place.

On the Sunday afternoon in Ripponden, there is a village fete. The climax of the afternoon is the arrival of the procession, with the presentation of rushes, morris dancing and the ‘Songs of Praise’ service in the church.