Chris is carted off

Photo: Chris Sunderland

HIGH jinks . . . the march begins with a dance from Saddleworth Morris Men Pictures: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

CHRIS Lowe had an unusual 60th birthday... he was dragged across Saddleworth by teams of morris men.

He marked the milestone by being the jockey at this year’s Rushcart Festival.

A 2,000-strong crowd packed the streets to witness the 34th festival go off with a bang.

And the rain stayed mostly away as families enjoyed picnics while watching 19 teams of morris men from across the country perform dances.

Over the last two-and-a-half weeks, a dozen volunteers had cut more than two tonnes of rushes for one of Saddleworth’s most colourful traditions. These were used for the 15ft-high cart which Mr Lowe sat on while it was pulled through the streets.

The dancing began at The Commercial pub in Uppermill on Saturday morning before the cart was pulled to Greenfield, then Uppermill, Delph, Dobcross and back to Uppermill.

On Sunday, it travelled to St Chad’s for a church service before more dancing, fun and traditional games.

Squire Richard Hankinson said: “The rain caught us right at the end, but other than that, we had a cracking weekend.”

Dave Holland retained the wrestling crown for Saddleworth, with Saddleworth also winning the gurning cup thanks to Adam Walker.