The 2025 Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival took place on Saturday (Sept 6) and Sunday (Sept 7), bringing colour, tradition and community spirit to the Calder Valley.
One of England’s oldest customs, the festival saw a sixteen-foot decorated rushcart pulled through the streets by 60 men in traditional dress, with maidens riding proudly on top.
The lively procession was joined by musicians, morris dancers and supporters in Edwardian costume, creating a vibrant spectacle.
On Saturday the cart travelled from Warley village through Sowerby Bridge, while Sunday’s route began at Sowerby village with a church service before continuing through Cottonstones, Triangle and Ripponden.
Along the way, the cart stopped at churches, pubs and community venues, reflecting the festival’s close ties with local life.
Organisers said that, over the course of the weekend, the event raised around £23,000 for charities and good causes.
The Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival was reintroduced in 1977 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee and has since grown into one of Yorkshire’s most distinctive annual events.
1. The 2025 Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival
The 2025 Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
2. This much-loved local event brings together family, friends, and visitors to celebrate one of England's oldest customs
This much-loved local event brings together family, friends, and visitors to celebrate one of England's oldest customs | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
3. The festival follows a colourful route, starting from Warley village.
The festival follows a colourful route, starting from Warley village. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
4. So far over the weekend the organiser have raised around £23,000 for charities and good causes.
So far over the weekend the organiser have raised around £23,000 for charities and good causes. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty