Morris Men in a rush for support

THE popular Saddleworth Rushcart Festival

SADDLEWORTH Morris Men are seeking support to keep their annual colourful Rushcart Festival weekend alive.

The event, the largest of its kind, takes place on Bank Holiday weekend, August Saturday 26 and Sunday, 27.

The team needs to pay a local contractor to provide traffic management for the procession of the cart and more than 120 morris men from across the UK as it visits different villages.

"Local police used to manage traffic along the route but with budgets severely cut they are unable to provide the service," Paul Hankinson, the side's foreman, explained.

"We're seeking kind-hearted local businesses to make up the shortfall to stage this magnetic event which always boosts the local economy.

"A £100 donation would cover a full page advert in our programme sold over the weekend and a minimum of £50 to become a patron in exchange for a programme acknowledgement and on our website."

To advertise or become a patron, visit their website or email: saddleworthmorris@gmail.com