Celebrating Heritage: The Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing
Get ready to experience a slice of living history! Every first weekend in September, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, comes alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Rushbearing Festival. This isn't just any parade – it's a revival of an ancient tradition, a joyful celebration that echoes back to the Middle Ages.
Imagine a time when earthen floors were the norm, and rushes, readily available, provided warmth and cleanliness. These rushes, gathered with care, were brought to the parish church in a festive procession – a practice known as Rushbearing. While this custom, once widespread across Britain, faded with the advent of stone floors, Sowerby Bridge proudly rekindled the flame in 1977.
This year marks a fantastic milestone: 40 years of continuous celebration! Picture this: the streets buzzing with excitement, a kaleidoscope of colours, the infectious rhythm of bands, and the captivating swirl of Morris dancers. The festivities kick off on Friday evening, a warm-up act in a local pub before the main event.
Saturday morning dawns with the parade setting off from Warley St. John's Church. The procession snakes its way down the valley to Sowerby Bridge, pausing at friendly pubs along the route. Here, the music swells, the Morris dancers leap and twirl, and the atmosphere crackles with energy. The parade also makes its respects at Christ Church and St. Paul's Church in the town. The day culminates in a lively gathering at a local pub, the perfect end to a day of revelry.
But the fun doesn't stop there! Sunday sees a more reflective start with a church service at St. Peter's Church, Sowerby. From there, the procession continues its journey through the picturesque villages of Cottonstones and Triangle, culminating in a final song of praise at St. Bartholomew's Church, Ripponden. The Rushbearing Festival in Sowerby Bridge isn't just a parade; it's a vibrant tapestry of history, community, and sheer joyful celebration – an experience you won't soon forget!
