Hi All....
Open invite to all dancers, musicians and interested bystanders, you can reply to this thread or send me a private message if you want any more info.

A Little bit about the history of Rushbearing
Rushbearing began in the 10th century when Pope Gregory decreed that rushes should be taken to church on its Saints Day to cover the earth floor for warmth. At Grassmere the rushes are still carried in procession. But in Lancashire and parts of Yorkshire the procession became more elaborate with the rushes being conveyed on decorated carts. The tradition continued in many areas until Victorian times when it was banned for encouraging ‘drunkenness and lewd behaviour’.

Littleborough Rushbearing was revived in 1991 when someone in Rochdale Morris said ‘Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a Rushcart to celebrate our 10th anniversary?’

The Littleborough Rushcart is paraded through various parts of the town with dance stops at pubs (both days) and finally enters the Square led by a local brass band and escorted by local dignitaries (Sunday).

In 2008 the Festival was extended and began on Friday night with a singaround at a local pub. Saturday also included a ‘Party in the Park’ – a family fun-day with stalls and entertainment. Saturday evening’s celidh completed a busy day. Sunday’s procession takes in Hollingworth Lake Visitor’s Centre and a nearby pub, before entering the town centre for more dancing (including the ‘traditional’ dance by Littleborough’s finest).

We are already looking for teams for the 2009 Festival. There is camping available at our practice venue (Littleborough Rugby Club) and meals on Saturday will be included. Last year we were able to run thr Rushbearing as a free event, but the 2009 price will depend upon how much sponsorship we can raise this year.