A SURREAL procession through Blackburn’s streets gave a new meaning to the term ‘cult following’ last night.

One of the biggest faces in show business, Frank Sidebottom delighted fans by combining his latest comedy gig with a pub crawl.

Fans were first welcomed at Blakey’s Cafe Bar at King George’s Hall, before following Frank out onto the streets to Cafe Stylo before going on to North Bar and then FJ Nichols.

Comedians Dave Jonker, Tom Wrigglesworth and Dave Twentyman performed stand-up at each of the venues after Frank led in the crowds.

Welcoming fans to Blakey’s wearing his trademark shorts, Frank said: “I’m your tour guide tonight but I don’t really know what I’m doing.

"Over the road we’ll be doing the same thing as we’ve been doing here, then another place to do the same thing again.

"Whose idea was that? And why did you pay for it?”

Frank got the night off to a start with his own special versions of songs, saying: “Hands up, if you’ve just bought a fantastic keyboard out of your mum’s catalogue!”

The audience were treated to Frank trying out different settings on the keyboard, such as punk rock and samba, to accompany the songs that followed.

Frank’s fans were invited to join in the classic “Guess who’s been on Match of the Day” song. Frank added: “I’ve also been on Grandstand twice, not that I’m going to let it swell my head.”

The audience were also treated to a very unique version of the Sex Pistols’ Anarchy in the UK, the Arctic Monkey’s I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody - but with slightly different lyrics, such as: “Mother - I killed a house plant.”

Unfortunately the bad weather meant little Frank was unable to join in on the pub crawl, despite many requests to see him from the audience.

Frank said: “I haven’t brought him tonight because it’s raining and he’s made of cardboard.

"Besides which, he’s not real you know.”