Sitting on top of the world
Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date published: 23 August 2010
Rushcart Festival’s a sunshine dazzler!
SADDLEWORTH’S legendary Rushcart Festival was declared a success after glorious sunshine put a spring in the steps of the morris men.
“Jockey” Dave Wilde nervously took his perch 15ft up on top of a swaying rushcart as it was towed through village streets but was soon enjoying his position on top of the world.
Thousands turned out to line the streets and cheer him on during the weekend spectacular of colour, dance and music.
Bright sunshine greeted the 36th Rushcart Festival on Saturday, beginning with a naming ceremony in Uppermill Square at 10am before the cart and colourful banner were carried on a seven-mile parade around Uppermill, Delph Greenfield, and Dobcross.
Around 20 teams of morris men from around the country and one even from Amsterdam, entertained.
On Sunday the group met in Uppermill at 10am for the long pull up Church Road to Saddleworth Parish Church for the Rushcart Service.
The event ended with a morris men wrestling competition, won by Dave Holland, and contests in gurning and singing.
Rushcart secretary Damien Walker said: “It was an excellent event. The people loved it. The streets were full on Sunday and the weather was glorious and spot on during Saturday.
“Dave Wilde loved it on top of the rushcart. It’s the best thing he has ever done. He was a bit nervous at the start but he soon got the hang of it.
“It’s always great every year but the sunny weather makes it a little more special.”
An enthusiastic group of local morris dancers had been busy preparing the cart behind Uppermill’s Commercial Hotel after cutting almost two tons of rushes from the moors to create it. The tradition dates to the 17th Century.
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