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.
5. The procession is joined by musicians, morris dancers, and supporters in Edwardian costume, creating a lively, joyful atmosphere.
The procession is joined by musicians, morris dancers, and supporters in Edwardian costume, creating a lively, joyful atmosphere. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
6. At the heart of the weekend is the spectacular sixteen-foot decorated rushcart, pulled by sixty men in traditional dress, while ladies ride on top
At the heart of the weekend is the spectacular sixteen-foot decorated rushcart, pulled by sixty men in traditional dress, while ladies ride on top | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
7. The festival follows a colourful route from Sowerby village with a church service on Sunday, before travelling across Cottonstones, Triangle, and Ripponden.
The festival follows a colourful route from Sowerby village with a church service on Sunday, before travelling across Cottonstones, Triangle, and Ripponden. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
8. 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