Cliftonian Carnivals: How did our ancestors have fun prior to 1914?

What better way is there to promote further reading of this book than to lay before you the views of the journalists as printed in local newspapers at the time? If the following do not whet your appetite to read further, then it would be better if you moved on to your next book:-

"I was a spectator last year for the first time, and without exaggeration I can say that it was one of the most enjoyable half days I ever spent. The procession was a marvel and the proceedings in the field were far above the average." Workington Star, Friday 20th May 1904.

"Tuesday first will be a great day at Clifton. It is the date of the children's annual carnival, which is one of the best shows in the district..... For variety and novelty the procession will be bad to beat. The Clifton people enter with great zeal into this carnival, and spare neither time, trouble, nor expense to make it something worth remembering and talking about. .... I was struck with the enthusiasm of the people ; nearly every house had a flag flying, there were strings of bunting across the roads" .... "The Great Clifton Prize Band ... the players and villagers generally brimming over with pride because of the victory the band achieved the previous day at Cockermouth, when they beat the Workington Artillery Band in the test piece, and brought away the four special prizes for soloists." Workington Star Friday 5th June 1903.

"Just as impressive, if not more so.. Cliftonians turn out an A1 show .... originality was never out of sight .... many varieties of the genus Novelty were to be seen .... a brilliant gathering, and proved the most successful that has been held people outside the village, who flocked in by wagonettes, bicycles and on foot to such an extent that the place was crowded." Workington Star and Harrington Guardian, Friday 8th June 1906.

Clifton Carnival "has been the centre of the local universe, with crowds of people from everywhere present to witness what for some years has been the prettiest children's festival in Cumberland." Workington Star - Friday 24th May 1907.

"...Clifton Carnival has made for itself a good name-and it well deserves all the praise that can be showered upon it. ..... the show as a whole was one that would have reflected credit upon a decent sized town, never to speak of a comparatively small mining village." Workington Star, Friday 12th June 1908.

"Clifton was en fete. Flags were everywhere. Where it was possible to tie a piece of rope it was tied, and from the rope hung flags; where it was possible to stick a stick a stick was stuck, and on the stick was a flag. It all done the villagers proud! ... It was a wonderful affair .... The best that Clifton has produced". Workington Star, Friday 27th May 1904.

"The May Queen. Mary Lizzie Neens, looked beautiful in a dress of silver satin trimmed with chiffon and honiton lace with silk stockings and satin shoes. She wore a Pearl necklace and bangles and carried a Garland of roses and maidenhair Fern. Her train was white edged with gold trimmings on jihad a silver crown and sceptre, lined with coronation plush and brilliants." West Cumberland Times, Saturday 24th May 1902.

"A splendid company of Boy Scouts. ... The May Queen - Cissie Steele - who was enthroned on an elaborately decorated lorry, and looked charming in a dress of white silk .... Maggie Barnes excelled as Fairy Queen, and her court was admired for its splendour. ... George Graham attired in "An air-em skirt" was in danger of being mobbed by the local "washerwomen" but for the intervention of the procession stewards. ... The Gypsy Queen - Hannah Burridge - was a great success and her conveyance came in for a lot of admiration." West Cumberland Times Saturday 10th June, 1911.