KING Cotton will reign again in Burnley - at a special celebration of the story of cotton and its global impact.

The town's first Cotton Carnival takes place on June 14, and organisers promise a full day arts extravaganza, with numerous artists, entertainers and musical groups.

The showpiece event will be a carnival procession with more than 500 performers from 20 different arts, community and professional groups.

The parade, starting from Burnley Wharf and finishing at the town centre band stand, will conclude with the crowning of a Carnival King and Queen Cotton.

It will all be a return to the past, says Anthony Preston, one of the organisers.

"Half a century ago Queen Cotton beauty pageants were common throughout Lancashire.

"We are trying to remake a tradition, moving away from its beauty pageant origins and turning it into a celebration of diversity and sense of place."

Organisers want arts and community groups in the area to take part in the procession and organise other themed activities.

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