Yesterday, eight of us set off on a field trip to Saddleworth Rushcart Festival. Jason very kindly organised the trip and along with Cat provided the transport.

We were treated to a day of true “British” spectacle.

The day began with the rushcart pull. The Rushcart is a two wheeled, two ton cart carrying a ten foot high pile of rushes. The Rushcart is always built on the weekend preceeding the Rushcart Day and stored outside the Commercial Inn. On the Saturday the Banner is attached. It is the sole design of that year’s Jockey. The name of the cart is revealed just before the cart is rolled out from behind the Commercial Inn in Uppermill. The cart is then pulled by over 100 hundred Morris men, from sides from the entire country, from the town up to the Church of St. Chads.  All the Banners, from previous years are hung in Saddleworth Church over the Rushcart Weekend.

We were then treated to a feast of Morris Dancing of varying styles and all undertaken in very good humour.

Next was the bare chested wrestling match. This took place between members of the Morris sides on a very steep field. It was hotly contested and last years champion was victorious again.

The day finished with a traditional gurning competition.

We all had a thoroughly enjoyable day and we must thank Jason and Cat for their efforts.

I am sure you will see many of the images at future meetings.

Click here for the Saddleworth Morrismen website