We all need something to get us into a positive frame of mind at the moment - and fairs and fetes have got everyone into the jovial spirit over the years.
The coronavirus pandemic has made the last 12 months incredibly difficult, with our daily routine transformed since the initial outbreak last March.
Covid-19 has resulted in numerous events having to be postponed due to government guidelines.
Fairs and fetes have been unable to go ahead as planned over the course of the last year, but we have delved into the Echo archive to look at some of the most memorable affairs from years gone by.
Entertaining - the Canvey Country Fair, held at the Kings Club, saw the Black Knight jousting display team thrilling the crowds in events over the years
Our snaps, dating all the way back to the 1960s, show schoolchildren getting into character, soaked teachers and even a spot of jousting in front of raucous crowds.
Scroll down to see even more fun-filled snaps.
Ploughing on - Colin Stratton and Monty Rolph refused to let the heavens opening stop them from manning the barbecue at theThorpedene Primary School fete in May 1992
Learning - Bernard Nix from the Willows Park Archery Club in Basildon showed Marc Barnacle, aged five, from Canvey, the basics of archery at the Strawberry Fair in Rochford back in July 1992
Good sport - teacher Angela Sparke endures a soaking at Southend’s Kingsdown Community Special School fete in June 1992
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Little and large - stilt walker Paul St George meets seven-year-old Victoria Harrison at a Benfleet fete in June 1991
Getting into the spirit of things - Rosemary Turbville, Marilyn Degutis and Pat Goodman got dressed up as the Love Lane School in Rayleigh held a European themed fete in July 1992
Arriving in style - Ruth Atkinson behind the wheel of a 1924 Aveling and Porter steam roller at the May Fair at Rayleigh's Mill Hall in 1992
In costumes - Love Lane School pupils at an annual school fete in 1963
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