A historic celebration associated with the ancient tradition of rushbearing is returning to town.

The traditional Rushbearing Procession will take place around the streets of the village on Saturday (July 6). 

The festival is a celebration associated with the ancient custom of annually replacing the rushes on the earth floors of churches, rushes being a general term for rushes, reeds, and sweet-smelling grasses.

The bearings vary from large ornate devices such as hoops, staves and crosses to simple sheafs carried by children. Composed mainly of rushes cut from nearby lake shores, they are highly decorated with mosses, flowers and greenery.

On the day of the event at 9 am they start decorating the main church bearings. The two main church bearings such as the harpe are done by members of the community. 

Helen Todd of the organising committee said it is a 'wonderful tradition'  which needs more young people to help.

"All the people who are helping me on the committee are 20 years older than me," she said.

"No young people are coming forward to help.

"When I was a child it was the event you look forward to. You always turned up looking really smart. Teachers used to walk around with their children. They tried and promote it in the school but they do not seem to be bothered."

With seven people on the committee, Helen said that in addition to needing more help, they also need more people to take part in the procession. 

"It is heartbreaking. It will be gone if anybody comes forward," she said.

"We are losing lots of traditions in town. It should be preserved but I cannot do it on my own."

For those who are planning to attend the event for the first time, Helen said: "They won't see anything like this anywhere else. It is a wonderful tradition."

The procession will also count with the performance of Ambleside Brass Band which will play the Rushbearers hymn.

All participants are given a piece of gingerbread.

The procession is setting off from Ambleside Primary School at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome - just bring a few rushes and join the procession around the village.