3-008-906 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Preston Guild Festival: the Trades Procession doubling at the triumphal arch, London-road, 1862. 'The trades...had each their appropriate emblems and banners, and a band. Some of the devices were most ingenious and remarkable; the workmen practising the several trades walked in pairs after the banner, the band, and the respective lurry which described their callings. All were neatly dressed, many wore rosettes, and the number of trade emblems and lesser flags which they carried was more than one could count. The fire brigade made a good show; and the procession of the fishermen attracted considerable attention. A boat was hoisted on a lurry: it was seen floating upon a painted sea, through which it was supposed to be impelled by the oars of the strong boatmen. A net was cast over the stern, in the folds of which was entangled a huge fish. The total number of trades represented was twenty. They included about 2400 men, 120 horses, and 35 carriages and lurries. The procession, which stretched over two miles and a half of ground, occupied fully two hours in passing any given point'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.