Claygate Celebrates the Coronation

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Claygate Celebrates the Coronation

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Claygate
1953-06-06
Silent
8m

Exotic floats and fancy-dress feature in the Surrey village's exuberant celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's Coronation.

The 6th of June 1953 sees the Surrey village of Claygate pull out all the stops in its Coronation festivities. There's a parade of decorated floats ranging from the everyday to the bizarrely exotic. There's a reference to Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-Tike expedition as well as a panto-horse and a fairy. We see a motorcade of period cars with period-costumed passengers pass by, followed by the 'Queen' herself before the final celebratory bonfire and fireworks.

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