AS SUMMER approaches, Southend is readying for the annual carnival once more.

Every year, thousands of people enjoy the week-long celebration of fun, festivities and floats in the town.

Last year saw more than 50 decorated vehicles carry a diverse mix of charities, businesses and community organisations from south Essex from Southchurch Park to Westcliff.

But what is a carnival without the people?

We delved into the Echo archives to uncover pictures of the people that make Southend Carnival what it is.

As well as the dedicated team behind the scenes, the people of Southend join in and create the fun carnival atmosphere.

These images, from the carnival in 1988, show the youngest members of the town dressing up and taking part in the fancy dress competition, Miss Southend United meeting with members of “the True Blues” and just some of the faces that make up the carnival spirit.

  • Southend Carnival 2015 is planned to be even bigger and better than before and will get underway on Thursday, August 13 with the procession on Saturday, August 22.

Do you recognise anyone in these pictures? Comment below.