BOLTON and its surrounding towns and districts — all with their own individual identities and pride — have held walking days and other community events for centuries.

Rose queen parades have always been a popular event in the area and involve not only the churches or schools they are associated with but many of the local householders too who would come out on to the streets to watch the parade pass by.

Very often there would be a fair or other community entertainment provided at the end of the parade.

Rose queens have a long and fascinating history and is at least 100 years old.

Very often the pretty dresses worn by the queen and her retinue are lovingly made by a member of the church of other association and worn with pride by the girls involved.

Other marches and parades have been held over the years including those to mark various church special days and those involving schools.

When the church parades were held the various organisations involved, including the cubs, scouts, brownies and guides, would parade along the route proudly carrying banners to mark their association with a particular church.

Whit walks, simple “walking days” and other events would sometimes involve not only one church or school but various churches and schools throughout the town and would culminate in Bolton town centre.