This film is part of Free

Coronation Festivities at Accrington (1902)
The Lancashire town greets Edward VII's big day with a cheery spectacle.
Overview
A cleverly positioned camera captures off-guard facial expressions and details of clothing as the procession of clown cyclists, marching bands, Morris dancers and decorated floats pass by. Commissioned and filmed by Accrington-born Albert Wilkinson in late June 1902, it played to packed audiences in the Town Hall. "One big kaleidoscopic fantasy," enthused the Accrington Observer & Times.
The country was gripped with coronation fever when Edward VII came to the throne after the epic 63-year reign of his mother, Queen Victoria. Much of this pageant celebrates pride in local trade and industry (from iron manufacture and mining to chimney-sweeping and confectionery) - with the occasional irreverent twist. Pride in the British Empire is another feature, with many in colonial military uniform and even a group of cyclists dressed as African tribesmen (something that clearly wouldn't be tolerated today).
Related

Funeral of Queen Victoria (1901) Funeral of Queen Victoria (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 5 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
The crowds stand silent as the nation says goodbye to Queen Victoria in February 1901.

Joseph Chamberlain at Home (1902) Joseph Chamberlain at Home (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent Location: Birmingham
A political giant at his magnificent Highbury estate in Birmingham.

Return of Kitchener (1902) Return of Kitchener (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 4 mins Silent
Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief of the British army, returns from South Africa to cheering crowds.

Princess Louise at Liverpool (1906) Princess Louise at Liverpool (1906)
Non-Fiction 1906 1 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
A bagpipe band marches in honour of Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, on her visit to Liverpool.

Prince of Siam in Liverpool (1901) Prince of Siam in Liverpool (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 3 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
The future King of Siam takes a trip across the Mersey.

The King's Ride in the Isle of Man (1902) The King's Ride in the Isle of Man (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 1 mins Silent Location: Isle of Man
Crowds clamour for a view of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra (on tour) in the Isle of Man.

Accrington Parade (1901) Accrington Parade (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 5 mins Silent Location: Accrington
Marching bands and local volunteers fill the streets of the Lancashire town.

Baden-Powell Opening Accrington's Ambulance Hall Baden-Powell Opening Accrington's Ambulance Hall
Non-Fiction 1904 4 mins Silent Location: Accrington
A magnificent procession marks the Boer War hero's arrival in Lancashire in a stunningly-preserved film.

Proclamation of King Edward VII, Market Place, Accrington (1901) Proclamation of King Edward VII, Market Place, Accrington (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 2 mins Silent Location: Accrington
The Edwardian era kicks off with the proclamation of the new King.

Congregation Leaving New Jerusalem Church in Accrington (1902) Congregation Leaving New Jerusalem Church in Accrington (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent Location: Accrington
An Edwardian congregation emerges after Sunday service in Accrington, Lancashire.

Visit of Sir George Cotton at Accrington (1902) Visit of Sir George Cotton at Accrington (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 1 mins Silent Location: Accrington
A small crowd greets a local Conservative parliamentary candidate at Accrington station.

Crowds Leaving Park Congregational Church in Accrington (1902) Crowds Leaving Park Congregational Church in Accrington (1902)
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent Location: Accrington
Members of a non-conformist congregation leave their Lancashire church.

Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.

Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.

Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.

Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.

Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.

Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.