PICTURED: Lymm parish councillor Ann Johnstone; Baroness Lea of Lymm; Tatton MP Esther McVey; deputy chair of Lymm Parish Council Ben Selwood
Villagers and local dignitaries in Lymm came together to celebrate the medieval tradition of rushbearing on Sunday.
The traditional festival involves collecting and carrying rushes to St Mary’s Church, and dates back to when many church buildings had earthen floors and the rushes were used as a form of renewable floor coverings – both for cleanliness and insulation.
The village is one of the few remaining communities in the country that continues the ancient tradition.
“Lymm Rushbearing is always one of my favourite festivals in the calendar and this year did not disappoint,” McVey said.
“We’re lucky to have something so unique and spectacular on our doorsteps for our communities to enjoy.”
She added: “As part of the celebrations we were treated to fantastic entertainment by local Morris troupes Lymm Morris and Bollin Morris and a great time was had by all.”
The celebration takes place each year on the Sunday closest to 15 August, which is St Mary’s Day – the patron of the village church.
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