Vikings, brass bands and summer fun at this year’s Littleborough Rushbearing Festival

Sunday, 13 July 2025 10:09

Credit: L'Boro Brass Band / Paul Waugh MP

Hundreds of people came out to celebrate the Littleborough Rushbearing Festival on Saturday, with sunshine, music and dancing filling Hare Hill Park.

The day started with the traditional rushcart parade from The King Bill pub in Shore at 10.30am, with crowds lining the route to cheer on the dancers and musicians. Local favourites Boro’ Brass and Littleborough Training Band joined the parade, followed by a full day of entertainment in the park.

Several dance groups performed throughout the day, including Oakenhoof, K-Stars, Nickie Dailly, Thieving Magpie, Ryburn and Saddleworth.

Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, praised the event on social media, calling it “another fabulous Littleborough Rushbearing Festival” and thanking everyone involved, including the Mayor of Rochdale, Cllr Janet Emsley, Reverend Mark, Littleborough Events and Associations Forum (LEAF), and the King Bill pub for their hospitality.

This year’s event also marked the last concert for Boro’ Brass musical director Ashley, who was thanked by the band for his leadership and support. In an emotional post, the band said: “You gave us all confidence and courage and we will never forget all that you have done for us musically and personally.”

This year’s celebration was also notable for its resilience, with musicians and dancers performing in sweltering temperatures of over thirty degrees. “Even in the heat, the community spirit shone through,” said one member. “It’s what Littleborough does best.”