Get ready for Rushcart procession

PREPARATIONS are underway for the Whitworth Rushcart procession.

Several morris dance troupes, including the renowned Britannia Coconutters and the Whitworth Morris Men, are taking part and up to 1,500 visitors are expected.

The procession will leave from Whitworth Museum on North Street at 1pm on Sunday, September 1.

It will travel up the main road, led by the Rushcart itself, arriving at the Riverside at approximately 1.20pm.

From 1.15pm to 4.30pm, the Riverside car park will be cordoned off for stalls, entertainments, and performances from the various morris dancing troupes, plus the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Band.

St Bartholomew’s Church will provide traditional hot food and the Riverside bar will be open for drinks, including a real ale named ‘Grogan’s Delight’ in memory of the late Jimmy Grogan, Honorary Townsman of Whitworth.

There will also be an arts and craft fair, featuring a variety of artisan stalls in the Riverside main hall, rides, facepainting and other entertainment.

The event has been organised by the tourism and leisure committee of Whitworth Town Council and the multi-agency Events Safety Group.

The Whitworth Rushcart is one of only four such celebrations which still take place in the UK, the others being in Sowerby Bridge, Littleborough and Saddleworth.

For further information please contact Whitworth town clerk Melanie Hearn on 852018 or email info @ whitworth.gov.uk, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 2.30pm.