CRICKET matches and concerts, fireworks and fairs, were all on the agenda when the people of East Lancashire mirrored a nation’s joy at the crowning of Queen Elizabeth ll.

The streets and parks became alive with red, white and blue, as Coronation Day heralded an array of events, organised among families and friends, associations and civic leaders.

Houses, streets, factories, shops and market stalls, even buses, were decked with bunting and plaques, in honour of the occasion.

There were street parties, crowning of local Coronation queens and processions, as each town and village organised some activity, including the lighting of beacons across the region.

Bacup held a Coronation dance, while Blackburn staged children’s sports and then a variety show in Corporation Park and Colne had a procession and gala in Alkincoats Park.

The Mechanics in Burnley was the setting for a civic ball, but music was relayed outside so that people could dance in Manchester Road; there was tree planting and community singing in Darwen, boxing, wrestling and weight-lifting on the cricket field at Great Harwood and open air dancing in Accrington and Nelson.

Babies born on Coronation Day all received gifts, such as silver spoons or red, white and blue favours.

For many, though, celebrations took place on their own doorstep, as housewives joined forces to stage hundreds of street parties, where children tucked into jelly and ice cream, wearing home made paper hats.