Rushcart festival proves to be another outstanding success
The Saddleworth Rushcart festival was successfully held across Saddleworth villages, featuring a 13ft tall rushcart pulled by Morris dancers, with Jack Williams as this year's jockey. The event included performances from multiple Morris dance groups from across the UK and abroad, community participation, and traditional activities over two days. The festival's 50th anniversary is anticipated next year.
Saddleworth Rushcart Festival Draws Thousands in Dazzling Display of Ancient Tradition
Saddleworth villages echoed with the thunder of clog-clad feet and the sweet scent of fresh-cut rushes this weekend as the annual Rushcart festival processed through the streets, carrying its 13-foot tower of flowers and tradition for the 49th year.
Jack Williams perched atop the wobbling conical structure as this year’s ‘jockey’, swaying above the crowds while the Saddleworth Morris Men - affectionately dubbed ‘the Beasts’ by writer AA Milne - towed the bright red and yellow cart through Uppermill, Dobcross and Delph. The rushes, cut fresh from the moors, formed the towering centerpiece of the ancient celebration that has become a cornerstone of community life in the Pennine villages.
“The sound of the heart-stirring ‘clog army’ scything through the village streets” drew rapturous applause from supporters and sightseers, as dancers from across the UK joined the festivities. Beltane Border Morris, Ripley Morris, St Albans Morris and Knightlow Morris Men were among the groups who brought their own interpretations of traditional dances to the celebration.
Saturday’s route wound through The Commercial, Uppermill, King William IV, Greenfield, with stops at The Park, Hare and Hounds, and The Museum, before continuing to Delph’s Cartside Street and White Lion, The Swan Inn, and The Navigation in Dobcross. The day concluded with dancing and singing back at The Commercial.
On Sunday, the cart processed from Uppermill Square for the Rushcart service at St Chad’s Parish Church, followed by dancing at the Church Inn and Cross Keys, where participants also competed in the traditional worst singer and gurning contest.
Peter Ashworth, John Dunning and Ron Yates, founder members of the Morris dance side from 49 years ago, watched the proceedings with quiet satisfaction. The festival, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, continues to secure the future of Morris dancing traditions for generations to come.
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