DARWEN Gala will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, August 15.
But colourful processions were held through the town before that – this photograph was taken at the 1953 celebrations for the Queen’s coronation that summer.
Darwen had its own young queen – Elizabeth I was portrayed by 15-year-old June Bradshaw as part of the St Barnabas’ Church display.
She is pictured here on horseback in Market Street with attendants Christine Walsh (left) and Norma Birtwistle. Church warden Jimmy Mayoh is on the right.
June, of Derby Close, said: “Don’t let the happy smile fool you. I think it was the first time I had ever sat on a horse and I was petrified. Luckily the chap who’d lent it to us had a firm grip.”
l This year’s gala procession starts at the Anchor at 12.30 and the fun starts at the top of Borough Road an hour later.
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