Crowds turn out for Burnley May Day event

Scores of fun-seekers came to enjoy fairground rides, stalls, magic shows and more at the yearly festival.

The mild weather brought crowds of people out into the popular park for the Bank Holiday event.

A traditional parade kicked off the festivities as Labour members joined anti-fracking campaigners, CND and those against Government austerity measures took to the streets.

Around 100 people, including former MP Kitty Usher, Council Leader Julie Cooper and other Labour councillors, marched through Burnley with banners and placards

The colourful procession sang “save our public services. It’s not the only way out” along the route from Burnley Town Hall to Towneley Park.

Council Leader Julie Cooper addressed the crowds along with Labour’s European candidates for the North-West Wajid Khan and Julie Ward.

Mrs Ward, who worked at Burnley at Mid-Pennine Arts, said: “I started my career here in Burnley and that’s why I came back.

“I came for the People’s Assembly Against Austerity to support the local movement but it is great to be back again.”

Parade Organiser Peter Thorn said: “We have got a really good turn out and we are pleased with the weather.

“There was a real mixture of people here from various unions and CND to anti-fracking and austerity.

“We have had speakers from the Labour party and two from the European election campaign.

“The park was busy and there was fairground rides, a dog agility show, a magic act and lots of stalls in a marquee.

“It is always very well attended and it is in its 37th year.”