05/09/2026
The Rushbearing Parade Poem
Come gather, dear children, and hear of the day
When the Rushbearing Parade comes our way.
In late summer’s glow, when the warm breezes blow,
We celebrate Sowerby Bridge, in a colourful show.
Out with the old, the rotten rushes we clear,
Making way for the new, for the fresh ones are near.
We fill up the carts with the green rushes high,
And decorate them with flowers, beneath a bright sky.
With ribbons of colour, and silver that shines,
We add to the rushes these beautiful signs.
And then comes the cart, oh, what a sight!
A tower of rushes, all festive and bright.
Led by the music, the drum, and the dance,
The cart makes its way, in a lively advance.
Sixty strong men, in their hats of Panama,
Pull the cart proudly, near and far.
Dressed in white shirts, black trousers, and clogs,
They march through the streets, over cobbles and logs.
And up on the cart, the fine ladies will ride,
Waving and smiling, with elegance and pride.
In Edwardian dresses, our supporters stroll,
Joining the procession with heart and with soul.
The Morris dancers leap, their bells ringing clear,
Their dances bring joy to all who are near.
So come join the fun, come join in the cheer,
The Rushbearing Parade is finally here!
With flowers, and music, and dancing so grand,
We celebrate together, hand in hand.
Dear children of SB, remember this day,
The joy of tradition, the Sowerby Bridge way.
Keep this story alive, year after year,
For the Rushbearing Parade is a time we hold dear! Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival
