Countdown to the Rushcart revelry

THE final touches are being put to the impressive rushcart for this weekend’s spectacular festival of colour, music and dance.

Working away behind the Commercial Hotel in Uppermill, an enthusiastic group of local morris dancers are preparing to dazzle at the 36th Rushcart festival starting tomorrow.

Having cut almost two tons of rushes from the moors, the group has built the 15ft rushcart as part of the celebration of a tradition dating to the 17th century.

Rushcart secretary, Damien Walker, said: “The event is open to groups from anywhere and everywhere and we’re expecting a good turnout.

“We even have a group coming all the way from Amsterdam this year. We have a great time going into the villages and entertaining the crowds — we are just hoping the weather is on our side.”

After the naming ceremony in Uppermill square at 10am tomorrow, the cart complete with a colourful banner will be carried on the seven-mile quest around the Saddleworth villages, with jockey Dave Wilde taking the helm.

The teams will entertain the crowds in Greenfield at 10.45am, be back through Uppermill between noon and 1.30pm and arrive in Delph at 2.15pm. Catch the merry men doing their thing outside the Navigation in Dobcross from 4.15pm.

The group will also meet in Uppermill at 10am on Sunday for the long pull up Church Road to Saddleworth Parish Church for the Rushcart service. A competition for the best Gurner, worst singer and a morris men wrestling competition will add to the fun after the service on Sunday.