CROWDS lined the pavements through Colne 10-deep as the two-mile long parade would its way through the streets for the town’s 1960 carnival.

But many wondered why there were so few bands. The packed watchers had no idea that three bands had failed to appear – one brass band broke down in Todmorden, another had got caught in heavy traffic, while Colne Women’s Junior Air Corps Band could not play because they had no drum major.

But dark-haired Iris Aunger had more important duties to carry out – as the carnival queen.

She joined carnival queens from all over East Lancashire, Colne Borough band and bugle and jazz bands in the procession, along with 20 morris dancing troupes and a record number of ‘floats’.

The gala, which had developed into one of the biggest in the North, attracted more than 10,000 people at Alkincoats Park.

Events continued well into the night.

More than 5,000 people attended the 11th annual sports and gala organised by English Electric at Clayton-le-Moors in 1963.

The firm’s sports and social club president J Threlfall said it had been the most successful ever show.

There were 45 competitions for children and adults and a host of other events including a cavalcade of vintage and classic cars, including a Model T Ford, entered by Skippers of Burnley.

It was piloted by Tom Crawford and Joe Smith of Burnley, while Blackburn garage owner Frank Sanderson paraded a 12.8bhp 1929 Austin Windsor saloon.