Editing Accrington (section)

== Ancient customs and traditions of Accrington ==

Accrington, as a historic town, has been home to several ancient customs and traditions that have shaped its local culture and identity. While some of these customs may no longer be practised, they offer valuable insights into the town's past.

=== Rush-Bearing Festival ===

One of the most notable ancient customs in Accrington was the '''rush-bearing festival'''. This annual event involved the gathering of rushes from nearby marshlands and meadows to be used as fresh flooring material in local churches. The rushes were then transported to the churches in decorative carts or wagons, accompanied by a festive procession, music, and dancing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitlancashire.com/dbimgs/Rushbearing%20Festival(1).pdf|title=Rushbearing Festival|accessdate=22 March 2023|publisher=Visit Lancashire}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> This event was once widespread across Lancashire and the North of England, but its prevalence in Accrington is particularly noteworthy.

=== Wakes Week ===

Another significant custom in Accrington was '''Wakes Week''', a holiday period that took place in the town and surrounding areas. Typically, it occurred during the summer months and lasted for one week. During this time, local mills and factories closed, allowing workers to enjoy a much-needed break from their labor-intensive occupations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/10899807.historic-wakes-weeks-coming-end-accrington/|title=Historic Wakes Weeks coming to an end in Accrington|accessdate=22 March 2023|work=Lancashire Telegraph}}</ref> Wakes Week often featured various festivities, such as fairs, carnivals, and other communal events, which brought the community together in celebration.

=== Local sports and games ===

In the past, Accrington was known for hosting traditional sports and games, which were enjoyed by the local community. Some of these sports included '''football''', '''cricket''', and '''quoits'''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Holt|first=Richard|title=Sport and the Working Class in Modern Britain|year=1990|publisher=Manchester University Press|isbn=978-0-7190-2650-8|page=66}}</ref> These games not only provided entertainment but also fostered a sense of community spirit and camaraderie.