A controversial group of dancers paraded through the streets of Bacup in Lancashire in the UK on Saturday with their faces painted black as part of an annual Easter tradition.

The 'Britannia Coconuteers' say their black faces are not to do with race but because the dance has its origins in the coal mining community.

However, the event has caused some controversy over the years and at least one expert has suggested the dance may be linked to minstrel shows.

Footage of a dance group in Bacup, Lancashire who 'black up' and parade the streets as part of an annual tradition every Easter. The 'Britannia Coconuteers' group say the black faces are a tradition based on coal miners, though it has courted controversy in recent years.