THE sun shone on hundreds of Morris dancers as they entertained the crowds at Saddleworth's rushcart festival.
Saddleworth Morris Men and 20 visiting 'sides' helped pull a three-ton cart eight miles through local villages over the weekend - stopping at the odd pub along the way.
The festival, now in its 35th year after being revived in the 1970s, sees the wooden cart - known as the Longwood Thump - laden with fresh rushes from the nearby moors.
It is then decorated and pulled through the villages of Greenfield, Delph, Dobcross and Uppermill to St Chad's Church.
Noisy and complex Morris dances - plus wrestling, gurning, traditional music and deliberately bad singing - draw crowds of thousands along the route.
Richard Hankinson, 55, squire of the Saddleworth troupe, said: "It has been a great weekend.
"Saturday was gorgeous and obviously because it was so hot and dry we stopped at a few pubs. It would have been rude not too.
"We covered eight miles on Saturday and then around a mile up to the church today, but it's a steep hill so hard going.
"Morris dancing is in a healthier condition than many think.
"We've had some lads in their teens and early 20s join us this year. The visiting sides have all been fantastic and I'd like to thank St John's Ambulance and the police."
The Saddleworth Morris Men are famous for their spectacular hats, stacked high with fresh flowers, and unique dances.
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Showing comments 1 to 6 and replies | View All
Is It Me? (23/08/2009 at 15:47)
citycentre, manchester (24/08/2009 at 10:44)
I agree, howe dare they block roads and spoil drivers fun for a day
Mad Welsh Scotsman, Cadishead (24/08/2009 at 13:05)
Andanotherthing, Mcr (24/08/2009 at 19:33)
Mr Manchester (25/08/2009 at 12:50)
John NW Quadrant Lower, Delph (25/08/2009 at 21:56)
Saddleworth Rushcart is probably the best Morris event of the year. It was a privilege to ride the cart and help extend a marvellous tradition. Everyone who bemoans the lack of local culture should remember that the morris is a longstanding part of the English cultural scene going back hundreds of years. Any man who would like to become part of this tradition is welcome at the Church Inn Uppermill on a Thursday evening around 9:00pm to give it a try.