THE clouds lifted and the rain stayed away when the Bolton Festival parade was held 30 years ago.

This picture was taken on September 8, 1987, and shows a colourful carnival of floats, marching bands and morris dancers in Manchester Road as the parade sets off for a day of fun in the sunshine.

Crowds flocked to the road side to clap and cheer as the parade set off from Burnden Park, heading into the town centre.

Festival committee member Liz Tatman was Queen Victoria for the day, leading the way in a horse-drawn carriage.

Prince Albert was portrayed by president of the Paderborn Festival committee, Herr Herman Schutte.

Bolton councillor Ken MacIvor was the Queen’s faithful adviser John Brown for the day.

Waiting outside the Pack Horse Hotel in Nelson Square was the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Bill Robinson, together with festival organisers and a delegation from Bolton’s twin towns of Le Mans and Paderborn.

Balloons were waved and whistles were blown at the procession.