Long-established Holcombe Hunt keeps tradition going and invites public to Boxing Day parade with hounds

Traditionally, the Holcombe Hunt has made an appearance at Rivington Barn on Boxing Day. However, this year, the event will be held in the lovely village of Pleasington, close to Blackburn.

The Hunt’s treasured pack of rare Stud Book Harriers will demonstrate trail laying during the event.

Although the Hunting Act 2004 and the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 respectively outlawed the practise of fox hunting in England and Wales, the Holcombe Hunt has been able to keep many of its traditions alive lawfully by employing the use of an artificial smell.

Despite this, there are others who strongly disagree with the practise of using hunting dogs.

To address common misunderstandings, the Holcombe Hunt is eager to welcome the general public to its annual ritual.

In order to get to the River Darwen in time for the session’s start, the “Holcombe Harriers” will leave The Railway Hotel at noon and march in procession there.

There are numerous misconceptions about hunts, according to Helen Walsh, a member of Holcombe Hunt and the public relations officer for the British Hound Sports Association.

She explained, “Hunts have not chased foxes for over 20 years, and we employ just an artificial smell.

“Another common misunderstanding is that hunters all come from affluent families, whereas in fact we represent a wide range of socioeconomic statuses and origins.

“Riding with the hounds is a thrilling sport, and it unites people.
We thought it would be a good idea to let the general people come and have a closer look.

“Boxing Day in the charming town of Pleasington promises to be an unforgettable experience.”

The village of Hide Ad Holcombe in Bury is where the hunt was founded, and now the group is active over most of Lancashire and some of Greater Manchester.

The hunt can be traced all the way back to 1086, making it one of the country’s oldest, and its hounds are among the country’s exclusive group of Stud Book Harriers (there are only eight packs total).