Saddleworth Rushcart, a weekend celebration when teams (or sides) of traditional Morris dancers from around the country get together, had an unplanned hiatus this year. I’ve been meaning to share a gallery of the hats the performers wear which, as you’ll imagine, fascinate me.
Some Morris sides use artificial flowers, which must be lighter to dance in, but while they look good, my favourites are the real ones. Many Morris dancers make their own designs using glads, mums, roses, carnations and even hydrangeas, combined with the heather that flowers on local moorland for good luck.
The hats are finished with decorative hoops, ribbons or feathers.
The hats are finished with decorative hoops, ribbons or feathers.
The Saddleworth side uses real flowers and a competition takes place to choose the best hat. The desire to keep the hats on while bouncing around always gives the performers a thoughtful air which dissolves to smiles whenever the hats are safely on the ground.
Susan Rushton 
Such fun and so pretty. Moorish? I’ll check out those links
There are lots of theories but the winning one would have to include people enjoying good company – and an excuse to have a beer.