THE date is June 2, 1953; the place is Accrington town centre. And it's unusual, because flower beds have replaced the usual market stalls that stand outside the imposing Victorian town hall.

The reason is that the townsfolk and civic leaders of Accrington were celebrating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey -- with lots of bunting, too, stretched out across the streets, reflecting the national mood of joyousness.

The accession of the young Queen prompted a host of events across East Lancashire, with lots of street parties and bonfires welcoming the new sovereign.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph, listed a 'what's on' for the day so local people in towns and villages from Barrowford to Blackburn, Ribchester to Rawtenstall, would not miss out on any celebrations.

As well as flying the flags, Accrington organised a range of activities, which began with a 'coronation cricket match' between the town team and Church.

Hospital visiting in 2004 is a relaxed affair, but in 1953 the strictness of the ward was reflected in the fact that special visiting was brought in for the day, with each patient at the Victoria Hospital allowed one visitor to tea at 2.30pm!

Oak Hill Park was the setting for two concerts, at 3pm and 7pm, by the North East Lancashire Military Band, while open air dancing was arranged for Broadway car park, starting at 9pm.

Not to be outdone, the band also played in Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle, for four hours of outdoor dancing, until 11pm. In nearby Great Harwood, people enjoyed an evening of boxing, wrestling and weightlifting at the cricket field, followed by the lighting of a bonfire.

With television very much in its infancy and only the well-to-do households possessing a set.

So the Regal Cinema in Rishton offered TV footage of the the pageantry taking place in London, opening its doors at 9.30 in the morning.