Garry Stringfellow Sowerby Rushbearing History & Tradition

This talk will explore the current rushbearing at Sowerby Bridge. With a brief description of history and origins followed by a discussion of the reasons for the revival and how it was achieved. It will further describe the processes and work behind the current event,  including the cutting of the rushes, the construction of the rushcart the management of the procession, the presentation of the rushes, the community involvement and finally the traditions that have evolved alongside the event over the last 45 years.