Littleborough Rushbearing Festival

Littleborough Rushbearing Festival

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As the sun shone over Littleborough, it seemed like the whole of the village turned out for this year’s Rushbearing Festival.

Starting at the King Bill pub on Shore Road, the Rushcart was taken to Littleborough Square by dancers, musicians and local rugby players.

After a dance in the square, the parade made its way into Hare Hill Park, where it was greeted by hundreds of people.

The park was transformed and included stalls from Littleborough Lions, LEAF, Lifeboats, The Star Tree Studio and many more.

Activities to keep children entertained included a climbing wall, an assault course and games.

There was also a Viking display, dancers and entertainment from Littleborough Band, Wardle Folk Group and That’s All Folk.

Steve Lister, Chairman of LEAF, said: “Today has been better than ever. There are a lot of people here and it is bigger than usual. It has been a huge success and as long as the weather holds up, then tomorrow should also be a big success.”

Mayor of Rochdale Surinder Biant said: “I am privileged to be here as I have never been before. It feels like the whole of Littleborough has come out today.”

Littleborough Rushbearing was revived and managed by Rochdale Morris from 1981 until Rochdale Morris folded in 2011. The control of the event was then handed to LEAF.

Dancers at today’s event were:

• Oakenhoof North West Morris 
• Theiving Magpies 
• Oakenhoof Rapper 
• Leap to your Feet 
• Oakenhoof Clog 
• Cadi Ha Morris 

Littleborough Rushbearing continues on Sunday (26 July) with a parade from Hollingworth Road at 11am.