Lymm Rushbearing Festival 2024

Rushbearing:  An age old tradition which is still celebrated in Lymm

The tradition of Rushbearing can be traced back to the Middle Ages.  A festival of celebration, where rushes were collected and taken to the local Parish Church and spread on the floor.

Though the act of Rushbearing may have fallen out of favour during modern times, it is still very much a tradition kept alive in Lymm and is a much loved annual event in the local calendar.

It is thought that Rushbearing was first celebrated in Lymm as far back as 1817 – although it was a much grander affair in those days, with a series of events held over the course of a week.

The 2024 Lymm Rushbearing Festival took place today, Sunday 11th August.

A procession left the lower Dam at 4pm leading to St Mary’s Church where a special service was held.

Joining the procession this year was Tatton MP Esther McVey, Cllr Ann Johnstone, Chair of Lymm Parish Council and Rev Beverley Jameson, Rector of St Mary’s Church Lymm.

As usual, Lymm Morris were also in attendance – but this year, with a difference to their line-up!

For the first time in the Lymm Morris history, two female comrades were welcomed to the team – dancer Karina Middlehurst – and musician Ann Bolshaw.

Header image:  Karina Middlehurst with MP for Tatton, Esther McVey.