The much-anticipated return of the Rushcart came to Saddleworth on Saturday after a two-year hiatus - and has made history. 

Hundreds of Morris dancers and musicians from across the country flocked into Saddleworth on Saturday for the return of the Rushcart ‘festival’ which was forced to pause during the pandemic after decades of the annual tradition.

Established in 1975, the Rushcart, in reference to the rushes that were spread out on the floor, is a revival of a local tradition dating back to the 1800s where villages in Saddleworth would build rushcarts and transport them to St Chad’s parish church in Uppermill.

The Rushcart festival became an annual celebratory event when local mills closed for a week’s holiday, known as Wakes Week, which involved Morris dancers and festivities.

 

The Oldham Times: Wrigley Head Morris Men from Holmfirth were there to commemorate the event. Image by Justin Beevor.Wrigley Head Morris Men from Holmfirth were there to commemorate the event. Image by Justin Beevor.

However, the festivities were cancelled for the first time in the tradition's history from 2019 to 2021 as a result of the pandemic amid public health warnings.

This meant the Rushcart's return on Saturday (August 20) was all the more special to Saddleworth villagers who look forward to the event every year.

Video footage and images of the day shared online reveal it was a roaring success with hundreds of people in attendance watching or participating in the special performances which started on Uppermill and toured through Greenfield, Delph and Dobcross.

The Oldham Times: The Rushcart was paraded through the Saddleworth villages on Saturday. Image by Justin Beevor.The Rushcart was paraded through the Saddleworth villages on Saturday. Image by Justin Beevor.

The Rushcart festival also saw new traditions being made with women and mixed Morris dancers invited to dance around and pull the Rushcart along the route for the first time in history.

The Saddleworth Rushcart was traditionally an all-male dance event.

Jack Williams, Rushcart Secretary, said: "We were thrilled to bring the Rushcart back and some joy to the public who were out in force.

The Oldham Times: Footage of the parade shows just how many people were in attendance. Image by Diane Thomson.Footage of the parade shows just how many people were in attendance. Image by Diane Thomson.

“We're also proud to provide a welcome economic boost to local businesses.

"We could not have asked for better weather, and the quality of dancing was fantastic.

"Plans are already underway for next year's which will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

“There's a hell of a lot of hard work behind the scenes over 12 months but it's worth every second to keep this tradition alive.

The Oldham Times: The Saddleworth Rushcart was traditionally an all-male event. Image by Marie Whitehead Photography.The Saddleworth Rushcart was traditionally an all-male event. Image by Marie Whitehead Photography.

"Thank you to everyone who came out to support us." 

Saddleworth Morris Men practice at the Church Inn in Uppermill every Thursday from 8pm.