SUFFRAGETTES pursued by policemen came to the streets of Burnley when the town held its first King Cotton Carnival on Saturday (June 14).

The women were among a host of historical characters who displayed an array of colourful costumes in the town centre as people cottoned on to the celebration of traditional mill-town culture.

Hundreds of people came to watch a parade as it made its way from the wharf to the bandstand, where Cotton King and Queen Darryl Slack and Alison Nicholas were crowned by 1937 Cotton Queen Janey Smith.

Actors, dancers and musicians of all kinds entertained shoppers during the day, and students dressed in their own weird costumes - futuristic as well as historical - went walkabout.

Organisers from the council and the college say the event's success has ensured its future growth. Next year the festival will last for three days and take in more venues, such as Towneley Hall and the Weavers' Triangle.

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