The yearly festival, Ambleside Rushbearing, usually the first Saturday in July, an ancient tradition dating back across the centuries, relating to the one time widespread and yearly practice of replacing the rushes of earthen church floors. Now mostly forgotten, the memory is kept alive in the form of a festival, particularly in Ambleside and other Lakeland locations, most notably nearby Grasmere.
The bearings, from the large harp to small baskets of flowers, consisting of a range of rushes, reeds and grasses, mixed with summer flowers and greenery. Is a community event, mainly for Ambleside's children, but also grown ups to carry the larger offerings.
The procession, upon a circuit of Ambleside town, is led by the larger bearings, followed by all the lesser, crosses, hoops, clusters, bundles and baskets, carried by the children of the infants and junior schools and assorted parents. Usually accompanied by a brass band and assorted members of the local clergy.
Perhaps the highlight of the procession happens when the bearers reach the Market Square, the marchers come to an halt and the bearings are raised to the heavens, with the cry of; "Bearing's Up" and then. "Bearings Down!" The traditional Rushbearing Hymn (revd Owen Lloyd circa 1835) is sung as the procession makes it's way back to St Mary's Church.
There follows a short church service, with all the bearings placed in the church, every child then receives a slice of traditional gingerbread, upon leaving the church. There then follows a light meal, known as the "tea" and afterwards the "Sports" for all the children and the wonderful "Junior's Fell Race" to Todd Crag and back.
No comments:
Post a Comment