why would donkey be dressed up ?

[Rena]

We don't think of ancestors as having much leisure time or fun but since I started fam. history I often come across newspaper reports and old notices that showed they were just as passionate about their cycling clubs, canoeing clubs, local flower shows and fetes, etc. etc.  Due to there being millions of horses, ponies, donkeys in the country there seemed to be a plethora of competitions for various categories of horse & carriage.

I think the family have dressed up either to enter an annual competition or just join in the fun of an annual parade through town or wherever the parade took place.  Those buttons look so shiny that I'm wondering if one of the parents has made them from shells.

[Claire64]

Good points Rena.
BlueUK, does the area have a local history group or Facebook forum? I find our local history forum very helpful. Most of the time... Sometimes they're all as baffled  as me about a photo!

[tomkin]

              "  Sometimes they're all as baffled  as me about a photo! "

           As they would be, if they saw an old pic of Tom Treddlehoyle riding his

             Donkey.  Which used to be celebrated every year at Pogmoor feast.

               Also Amos the donkey who was Barnsley F.C's club mascot.

              https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1DIEZ_enGB803GB803&q=clarence+hotel+barnsley+photos&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjL2Oq9ocDhAhX_SxUIHV4SDooQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1280&bih=617


               I've supped sum pints in't Clarence

https://www.facebook.com/old.barnsley/photos/a.1461046307255559/1521056521254537/?type=1&theater

[Gan Yam]

If its south of Scotland , could be something to do with one of the common ridings/riding the Marches?

[stanmapstone]

Could it have been for a Gala Day https://blog.nms.ac.uk/2018/05/01/gala-days-researching-a-scottish-tradition/

Stan

[medpat]

May Day was important and people dressed up for that. They celebrated getting the harvest in as well.

[BlueUK]

Thanks for the replies to post . I'm going to look into a few of the suggestions posted ..

[Gadget]

Could it have been for a Gala Day https://blog.nms.ac.uk/2018/05/01/gala-days-researching-a-scottish-tradition/

Stan

I agree with Stan. I've witnessed quite a few traditional Gala/Gatherings in various parts of Scotland.  It could be that there was a procession and a prize for the best cart. They might even have been dressed as the 'pearly family'

Gadget

[Trishanne]

That is a great link that Stan has posted which gives you more links to photographic collections, Scottish archives etc. I am sure if you sent a copy to Scottish Life archives they would love to see the photograph and be able to help you with identification.
Pat