Ambleside Rushbearing
Ambleside – along with near neighbours Grasmere – has honoured Rushbearing for over 200 years and early records illustrate the importance of the event to the town. A decorated rush harp is displayed at the head of the Rushbearing which follows a traditional route from St Mary’s Church as the procession of bearers carrying decorated rushes is brought up by the rush World and joined by children carrying rush bundles.
The procession halts in Market Place where the time-honoured Rushbearing Song is recounted and rushes raised before returning to a service of thanksgiving and dedication as garlands are displayed in the church. Children receive local gingerbread – often a bribe for their attendance in years gone by – before children’s Rushbearing sports and prized guide race takes place in Rothay Park.