THE SOUND of clogs rang through the hills as Saddleworth Morris Men hosted their 42nd Rushcart Festival.
The renowned event attracted scores of people both local and from farther afield despite heavy rain as morris sides from around the country took to the streets.
The festivities were launched in Uppermill Square with dancing before the cart, stacked five metres high with fresh rushes, set off with ‘jockey’ John Dumsday on top.
pictures thanks to Carl Royle
The journey took in Greenfield, Delph and Dobcross with stops for the brightly-dressed morris men to show off their skills to admiring audiences.
Then on Sunday, the cart was pulled up to St Chad’s Church in Uppermill for the traditional service.
The two-day event was rounded off with more dancing and games, including wrestling, worst singer and gurning, at the Cross Keys and Church Inn.
pictures thanks to Carl Royle
Saddleworth Morris Men said: “A huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported us, from fellow Morris sides to everyone who braved the weather to watch us dancing.
“A special mention goes to those who volunteered their services to collect and sell badges or programmes for us.
“We’ll all now be nursing sore feet and backs for a week or so, but it was well worth it! See you all for the 2017 Cart on the August bank holiday weekend.”
Find out more about the Saddleworth Morris Men by emailing saddleworthmorris@gmail.com or visit their new website: www.saddleworthmorrismen.co.uk
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