Sat 13 April: Mayor of Whitworth’s Civic Dinner & Dance

The Mayor and Mayoress of Whitworth host a fundraising dinner and dance at the Riverside, raising funds for the Mayor’s Charity in the process.

Sun 21 Apr: St George’s Day celebrations

Whitworth’s annual celebration of St George, incorporating a process along Whitworth’s main road followed by a family service of celebration at the Riverside.

Thursday 16 May: Whitworth’s Annual Parish Meeting

Facilitated by the Town Council, this is a meeting which brings the parish together to chew over the year that has passed and look forward to the year ahead.

Thursday 23 May: Whitworth Town Council – Annual General Meeting and Mayor-Making

The first council meeting of the new municipal year, and the date on which a new Mayor of Whitworth is elected.

Sat 8 – Sun 16 June: Whitworth Sports Festival

A 9-day extravaganza of sport, now in its 5th year, featuring all manner of activities to participate in or just to watch.  Organised by Whitworth’s Sports Council and involving many of the town’s sporting organisations and individuals.

Sat 29 June – Sun 7 July: Whitworth Scarecrow Festival

Now in its third year, the Scarecrow Festival has moved to a new slot at the end of June.  The festival sees scarecrow displays all across the town produced by residents, businesses and community groups.  A trail map is provided of all the official displays.

Sun 7 July: Whitworth Family Fun Day

An afternoon of family fun on the car park at the Riverside.  Featuring rides, entertainments, food and drink to keep all members of the family amused.

Sun 8 Sept: Whitworth Rushcart

The highlight of the Whitworth events calendar, this traditional event involves a procession up the main road to the Riverside, featuring the Rushcart itself, morris dancers and community groups.  At the Riverside the car park is taken over by stalls, dancing demonstrations, rides, food and drink.  This is a very popular event and its roots go back hundreds of years.

Sat 12 Oct: Mayor of Whitworth’s Charity event

This date is still TBC but is likely to feature a fundraising evening hosted by Whitworth’s Mayor.

Sun 10 Nov: Remembrance Sunday

The Whitworth community pays its respects to those who have been lost, injured and fought in the World Wars and more recent and current conflicts.  The procession makes its way up the main road to the Memorial Gardens in Facit at 10.20am and is followed by a service of commemoration in the Gardens straight afterwards.  The 2-minute silence is marked at 11am, and the service is followed by warming refreshments at the Riverside.

Sun 24 Nov: Christmas Lights Switch On

Whitworth switches on its Christmas Lights with a good old festive sing-song in the Riverside, and the lights are turned on by the winners of the schools colouring competition.  Even Father Christmas finds time in his busy schedule to come along and join in the fun!

Mon 16 Dec: Civic Carol Service

Organised jointly by the Town Council and Churches Together in the Whitworth Valley, this family service is very popular.

Wed 1 Jan 2014: New Year’s Day Duck Race

OK, so technically not in 2013 but it’s worth making a note of anyway!  1,000 yellow rubber ducks are sponsored at £1 each; the ducks are flung into the overspill at Cowm Reservoir, and the first three ducks to cross the line collect a cash prize.  This is a great event and was attended by over 200 people last year.

For more information please contact Karen Douglas, Town Clerk on 01706 852018 or email info@whitworth.gov.uk