THEN & NOW ALBERT SQUARE

Welcome to Then and Now, where each week we compare images of Manchester streets, landmarks and buildings from bygone days with how they look today

OUR main image this week shows Whit Walk participants gathering outside the Town Hall in June 1960.

They are all dressed in their best attire to mark the Whitsun Bank Holiday. It was traditional for girls to be given a new dress and for boys to have new trousers for the procession and service in Albert Square.

The first Whit Walk in Manchester dates back to 1801. It had the dual ambition of keeping people away from the nearby horse races on Kersal Moor and encouraging community activity.

In July 1821, Sunday scholars met in Ardwick Green during Whit Week to commemorate the coronation of King George IV. They all sang a hearty version of God Save the King.

Music has always played a big role in the Whitsun celebrations, with brass band contests a major feature.

There are always costumes, streamers and flowers in the procession which starts at the Cathedral in Victoria Street and heads off to Albert Square for a brief Anglican service.

The first assembly ground for the Whit Week processions was St Ann’s Square, but the event moved to Albert Square in 1878 as numbers grew.

The size of the Whit Walk crowds can clearly be seen in our bustling picture. There’s not much of Albert Square left to stand in as people mill around in their holiday finery.

Many more images from Then and Now are featured in The Changing Face of Manchester published to mark the 150th anniversary of the M.E.N. It’s on sale at £14.99 including postage and packing. Order your copy online at inostalgia.co.uk or ring the order hotline on 01928 503777.