Ashburner Street was bustling when the funfair came to Bolton

This wonderful photograph from the archives really does have so much of interest in it.

Taken in 1956 it shows the fairground and the junction of Ashburner Street and Black Horse Street complete with giant helter skelter and various merry-go-rounds and stalls.

In the background is Moor Lane and the looming presence of the gas works.

But there is much more to enjoy if you study it from the horse and cart approaching the road junction and a little further ahead a man pushing a cart, possibly belonging to the market.

Then there’s the trolley bus heading towards us and some great cars of the era.

The photograph was taken in January, hence the fact that everyone is wrapped up well.

Look out for the very interested baby in his or her pram on the right of the picture who appears to be looking straight at the Evening News photographer.

Source

Apart from the trolley busses I remember all of that, the fair on Moor Lane, the horse and carts and hand carts (usually used though used by rag and bone men than being mainstream at the time I remember them from) and the big prams and 'vintage' cars, even the gas works!

How times change!

Having trouble getting my bearings here - am I right in thinking that photo is taken from the steps of the Odeon?

wanderlust wrote:Having trouble getting my bearings here - am I right in thinking that photo is taken from the steps of the Odeon?

Yes.

Here's another view of Ashburner street from 1946, looking toward Newport Street.

I have fond memories of my father taking me to the fair at Christmas/New year.

Loved the black peas and the atmosphere.