Great Harwood Coronation Celebrations (1911)

Crowds celebrate the crowning of George V and his consort Mary on a windy June day in the Lancashire mill town.

We can only imagine the music playing to the packed crowds around Great Harwood's Mercer Monument as the conductor, on the balcony of the Town Hall, waves his arms with gusto at the unseen orchestra. The ceremonials over, the camera moves to a more rural location to capture a procession of adults and schoolchildren in Sunday best, many proudly wearing commemorative medals issued for the occasion.