Rivington Pike Easter
Every Easter, the journey to Rivington Pike draws in thousands of visitors, growing even more in popularity since the lockdowns of recent years.
Good Friday Traditions at Rivington Pike
On Good Friday, literally thousands of people ascend the pike from before dawn to after dusk. Many families opt to spend the remainder of the day leisurely strolling around the Terraced Gardens. During this time, you may witness Lord Leverhulme's gift to Bolton as he envisioned it, with locals and visitors alike relishing the gardens, away from the hustle and bustle of town and city life.
Rivington Pike Easter Fair
A cherished local custom, the Easter fair commences each year on Good Friday at Rivington Pike. Historically, the fair graced the upper slopes of The Pike itself. However, due to erosion damage to the hill and modern safety regulations, it has relocated to the rough road just below The Pike. Some may reminisce about the bygone era of stalls teetering on the hill and 'bouncy castles' defying gravity decades ago.
In recent times, the fair has evolved to include hot food stalls, confectionery and ice cream vendors, and traditional fairground games like the beloved 'Hook a Duck.' Additionally, there are attractions tailored for young children such as 'bouncy castles' and 'roundabouts.'
It's ill-advised to attempt driving to this location depicted in the photo above. The 'road,' loosely defined, is an extremely rough, broken cobbled surface that could damage your vehicle beyond repair.
"If Rivington Pike do wear a hood, Be sure the day will ne’er be good."
Some years at Easter, The Pike is shrouded in rain and mist, with terrible, biting winds. However, you will still find many people at the top of the hill, seeking shelter around the Pike Tower. On the descent, Rivington Hall Barn serves as a welcoming stop, often filled to the rafters with damp yet cheerful individuals indulging in food and refreshments within its ancient wooden cruck frame. It evokes imagery of a medieval feast or the return of Viking hoards from a grand adventure.
In addition to the vibrant atmosphere and traditional activities at the Rivington Pike Easter fair, visitors can also expect to encounter a variety of local craftspeople and artisans showcasing their talents. From handmade goods to unique souvenirs, the fair provides an excellent opportunity to support local talent and take home a memento of the event. Furthermore, there may be live music performances or other entertainment options to enhance the festive ambiance of the fairgrounds.
History of The Rivington Pike Easter Fair
There isn't mention of a fair at the Pike going back too far historically but there are mentions of pace egg rolling common to Rivington Pike and other surrounding hills in Lancashire.
"Pace eggs," also known as "paste eggs" or "pace-egging," is an Easter tradition in the UK, particularly in the northern regions such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and parts of Cumbria. The tradition involves decorating and rolling hard-boiled eggs down a hill to celebrate Easter.
The eggs are often decorated using various techniques such as dyeing, painting, or applying intricate patterns. Sometimes, onion skins or natural dyes are used to color the eggs.
The rolling of pace eggs down a hill is typically part of an Easter Monday custom where families and communities gather outdoors for games and festivities. The rolling of the eggs symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from the tomb of Jesus Christ during the resurrection. It's a joyful activity that brings people together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the Easter holiday.
Rivington Pike Easter Postcode: BL6 6RU
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