Littleborough Rushbearing

Littleborough Rushbearing

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Hundreds of people lined the streets as Littleborough’s Rushbearing Festival continued today (Sunday 20 July), with the traditional Rushcart making its way into Littleborough Town Square.

Dancers involved in this year’s festival included: The Thieving Mapgies, Chameleonic Drummers, Littleborough Oakenhoof, who formed in February, 'That’s All Folk' from Rochdale Music Service and Az Kabile Dancers, from Rawtenstall, who mixed traditional style belly dance with tribal belly dance.

A spokesperson for the Thieving Mapgies said: "We have been coming to Littleborough Rushbearing for a number of years and its always a great event."

Rochdale Online Director John Kay thanked the Thieving Mapgies for all their help and support.

A spokesperson for the Chameleonic Drummers, who came all the way from East Sussex, and as well as playing their music also joined other dancing groups with their drumming, said: "We will be back next year."

Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: "It's fantastic for Littleborough, there are more stalls here today than there have been before."

John Kay added: "Its been great, the weather has been good and people have come to watch. We have had more dancers than in previous years."

Littleborough Rushbearing was revived in 1991 by Rochdale Morris and since 2012 the Thieving Magpies, from Mardsen, have co-ordinated the festival in conjunction with Littleborough Association and Events Forum (LEAF).