Rollicking Revels at Rochdale

Fine threads are on display at Lancashire's premier cotton town.

Fine threads are on display at Lancashire's premier cotton town. The autumn carnival was clearly a source of local pride, with spectators lining the streets to glimpse the procession. Among all the brass and pom poms you'll spot some rather zany costumes, as well as a float done up as a cruise ship. Watch out too, for the hunch-backed character loping along at the rear.

Processions - especially those involving floats and costumes - were a favourite of newsreel companies like Topical Budget, which relied on fun and photogenic events that were planned well in advance.