Saddleworth's Rushcart festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary with what is expected to be its biggest and loudest event yet. A record number of Morris sides have confirmed they will attend the two-day gathering in August.

Hosted by the Saddleworth Morris Men, the festival will take place on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. The group is already constructing its iconic 13ft high cart from rushes, which will be decorated with heather, banners, and a rowan tree.

The Morris sides will dance and pull the cart, with a jockey sat on top, through several villages on the Saturday. The programme of events includes sessions at the King William IV and Road End in Greenfield from 10.30am, followed by dances at the Park, Hare and Hounds, and The Museum in Uppermill from 12pm. The afternoon moves to Delph and concludes in Dobcross.

On Sunday, the cart will be taken to St Chad's Church for a service from 11am. Afterwards, entertainment including Morris dancing, worst singer, and gurning will be held outside The Church Inn and The Cross Keys from 12pm.

Saddleworth Morris Men said they had to create new dance arenas due to the overwhelming response. They are now inviting locals to help with the event's costs by making a donation.