A COLOURFUL carnival parade of floats, circus acts and marching bands opened a weekend of fun at Witton Park, Blackburn.

The Blackburn Lions celebrated the 25th anniversary of their annual gala non-stop entertainment in two rings, and the event was a sun-soaked success that drew in crowds of more than 20,000 people.

Children's favourites included the Knights of Longshank, who recreated the days of King Arthur in the main arena with a display of jousting.

Cowboys from Hyndburn and Blackburn took over when the Gunfighters Association staged a Wild West shoot out in a frontier town. The American theme continued with line dance team Applejacks, who also won the best float competition, and Jean and John Sutcliffe's Line Dancers.

The Hardcastle dogs gave a stunning display of agility and bravery, when all types of dogs from beefy rottweilers to plucky little Jack Russells thrilled the crowds with their antics, including jumping through flaming hoops.

A tug-of-war competition was won by a team from the Rose and Crown pub, Oswaldtwistle, who were rewarded with a ten gallon barrel of beer donated by Whitbread's Brewery.

The bonny baby show contest on Sunday was also popular. In the 18 to 24 month category, first prize went to Rebecca Townsend, of Darwen, Tamara Louise Lord, of Blackburn, was second, and Lydia Wakes, of Blackburn, was third.

The 12 to 18 month category was won by Elisha Jade Taylor, of Darwen. Georgia May Halstead, of Baxenden, was second and Jamie Arron Allton, of Blackburn, was third.

Nathan Whalley, of Blackburn, won the six to 12 month category. Joel Kayman Moorhouse, of Padiham, came second and Bryanee Alexis Carrie, of Blackburn, came third.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.