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.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Two men arrested and 300 cannabis plants seized after early morning raids in Rochdale

Over 300 cannabis plants have been taken off the streets of Rochdale after neighbourhood officers raided two illegal growing operations in partnership with the local council.
Bury teacher banned for life after engaging in sexual activity with child

A former teacher at Tottington High School has been permanently banned from the classroom after a professional misconduct panel found he engaged in sexual activity with a pupil.
GMP’s ‘headset heroes’ answer over a million calls in a year as response times reach record highs

Greater Manchester Police’s control room teams are being recognised for their vital role in emergency response as part of International Control Room Week.
Further arrests in Rochdale and Manchester as GMP intensifies crackdown on historic child sex abuse

Specialist investigation team arrests more suspects and secures major convictions as survivors of non-recent exploitation continue to come forward
Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.