Whitworth Rushcart

Where: Whitworth, Lancashire starting at the Heritage Museum, then dancing at Civic Hall/ Council Offices on Market Street
When: Sunday in early September
Time: 12 noon onwards with Procession 1pm

 

Whitworth Rushcart on the move

Whitworth Rushcart is one of a clutch of  customs in the North West involving a large wheeled vehicle covered in rushes and flowers accompanied by morris dancers and music as it perambulates the locality – what makes this event unique is that the decoration is based on heather grown on the moors nearby. The origins of the Rushcart are similar to the tradition of rushbearing which survives in Cumbia, but which have evolved in a different way. Rushes were gathered for strewing on the church floor and a boundary-walking processional element was common. The Rushbearing at Whitworth was revived in the twentyfirst century after a long break and is now a well established part of the local calendar. On the second Sunday in September the cart is paraded through town by Whitworth Rushcart Dancers with a brass band accompaniment, before morris dancing at the carpark by the Civic Hall. At the end of the procession you can buy bunches of lucky heather from the basket at the back of the cart. There are stalls and entertainments at the carpark, after which the Rushcart Dancers host a music session at the Band Club. The event is organised by the Whitworth Council’s Tourism & Leisure Committee.

Helpful Hints

In 2024 it was on Sunday 1st September- 2025 date is yet to be announced but likely to be 7th. Food & drink will be available, and a singing session follows into the evening.

Click here for the event Facebook pages : https://www.facebook.com/groups/318025781616548/

 https://www.facebook.com/AzKabileTribalDancers/

and here for the Council : http://www.whitworth.gov.uk/

and here for dancers: https://www.cloggin.co.uk






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