Right Royal Celebrations

Blackburn is to mark the anniversary of the visit of King George V with a series of celebrations.

King George V visited the town in 1913 with Queen Mary as part of a week-long tour of Lancashire.

The tour included 30 towns as well as Blackburn, which at the time was booming due to the cotton industry.

During his visit King George laid the foundation stone for King George’s Hall and oversaw the gift of Roe Lee Park to the people of Blackburn.

On Wednesday, July 10, at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery a talk by a local historian will launch an exhibition looking back at the visit.

The exhibition called ‘Roe Lee and the Royal Connection’, features a collection of memorabilia from the visit and from King Georges Hall. 

The talk is being given by historian Ray Smith and will begin at 1pm.

In addition, an event organised by Friends of Roe Lee Park is taking place at the park on Tuesday, July 9.

It will mark the handing over of the park land to the people of Blackburn.

The land was given to the borough by the owners of Roe Lee Mill in recognition of the royal party’s visit to the mill.

On their visit there, the King and Queen were shown the latest Jaquard-type looms and were presented with a monogrammed handkerchief and a pair of miniature clogs.

The event, beginning at 11am will see a plaque unveiled at the park pavilion and Roe Lee Primary School perform a selection of songs in Victorian costume.

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive member for Leisure, Culture and Young People, who will be attending the museum event on the Wednesday, said: “I hope as many people as possible will join in the celebrations.

“The visit of King George V took place during a fascinating and important part of Blackburn’s history, which saw the town play a role on the global stage.

“And of course it left a legacy for today in the shape of one of our much loved buildings and parks.”

Email Vinai Solanki on museum@blackburn.gov.uk for more information or call (01254) 667130