More than £2,000 has been raised towards covering the costs of traffic management and first responder aid cover for the iconic Saddleworth Rushcart event.

David Biggs, the Squire of Saddleworth Morris Men, said: ”We are delighted and humbled by the generosity of Saddleworth Rushcart supporters via our recent JustGiving appeal.

“We have exceeded our target and the page has now been closed. We have been blessed with contributions from all over the country and are amazed to hear that there is a place in their heart for the Cart.

“We would like to thank each and everyone who took the time to read our story and donate to help keep this unique tradition rolling on.”

In total £2,256 was raised for the event, which is set to take place across the August bank holiday weekend.

Each year Saddleworth Morris men organise  Saddleworth Rushcart Festival when sides from around the country and overseas, gather to celebrate the tradition of rushbearing in Saddleworth over the weekend of Saturday August 24-Sunday 25.

On the Saturday,  complete with a 13ft high connicle tower of rushes, the two-tonne cart is pulled through villages and a variety of morris sides dance at selected venues.

The festivities continue the following day in Uppermill where sides continue to dance and perform to accompanying folk music. The whole event marks a tradition revived in 1975 and continues to be a key event in the Saddleworth calendar.

The  event is self-funded through public support and donations but the pandemic forced the Rushcart to be cancelled for two years with little opportunity to fundraise. 

The Saddleworth Morris Men have also committed to raising funds through a Beer Festival  to be held in August.