This elaborate Whitsun procession would have been a keenly-anticipated opportunity for Catholics, who were in the minority in Edwardian Britain, to proclaim their faith. Wearing beautiful new white dresses (which would have stretched a poor family's budget), the little girls from St Anne's are followed by older girls in historical costume and the statue of the Virgin Mary on a bier.

Source: BFI

Replacement title (0.07). Procession along street watched by crowd behind railings. Large banner for "Oldham Catholic..." followed by girls dressed in white; girls dressed in Sunday best with large hats, a number of banners can also be seen. Men, led by priest, carry flowered-bedecked statue of the Virgin Mary; followed by brass band and more children (2.16mins). (Shotlist)

Source: BFI