Entertainment & Events

In addition to the Rushbearing procession, including presentation of rushes, morris dancing and other entertainment at the churches and pubs en route, there is a range of other events taking place for you to enjoy over the weekend.

Friday Evening

Friday night sees the traditional pre-Rushbearing get-together – venue to be confirmed. There will be live music and many traditional ales.

Saturday Afternoon & Evening

On Saturday, in Sowerby Bridge, the focus of activity is around the Sowerby Bridge Market in its central location on Wharf Street.

The hugely popular Rushbearing Charity and Craft market will be entertained by performances from the Friendly Brass Band as well as a visit from the Rushbearing procession.

Many of the churches visited will be providing food and refreshments and the Sowerby Bridge Horticultural Society will be holding its annual show at St Paul’s Church, Tower Hill.

There will be music and morris dancing displays at many locations throughout the town. We are also pleased to announce that once again this year there will be a performance by the West Yorkshire Police Band at the Hogs Head in the early evening.

Sunday Daytime

Sunday morning begins with the traditional Rushbearing Festival Service at St. Peter’s Church, Sowerby.

During the afternoon, St. Bartholomew’s Church in Ripponden will be hosting a Village Fete with charity stalls and games.

The weekend draws to a close when the Rushbearing procession arrives in Ripponden and at the end of the afternoon a Songs of Praise service will take place in St. Bartholomew’s Church.

The weekend would not be complete without a visit to the ever-popular Norland Scarecrow Trail.