Southend Carnival has always been a hugely popular event along our coastline - and these photographs show just some of what was going on at the event in 1987.
The coronavirus pandemic resulted in last year’s event being cancelled and last week organisers announced they had made the tough decision to scrap the 2021 event as well.
The carnival was set to take place in August.
We have delved into our archives to rediscover these snaps from 34 years ago, which include Rod Hull and his sidekick Emu turning on the carnival lights.
Thousands of residents and daytrippers got involved in the festivities, with themed floats passing through and thrillseekers heading to the rides.
Can you spot yourself?
Fun and games - revellers enjoy the Sizzler ride at the carnival funfair
Water group - the Third Thorpe Bay cub scouts wave to onlookers from their Swallows and Amazons-themed float
Costume capers - two carnival visitors got into character as they smiled for our photographer
Fancy that - two costumed revellers get into the carnival mood
Read more:
- IN PICTURES: When the Queen and other members of the Royal Family headed to south Essex
- How Southend's Rossi ice cream has changed through the years
Getting the vino out - Link Radio’s float was dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine
Fun in the sun - a Humpty Dumpty-themed float at the 1987 carnival
Dangerous - scouts look to build a human pyramid as worried carnival stewards watch on
Drum roll please - Southend Blue Jackets members move their feet to the beat
Hula hula - a tropical-themed float attracts attention
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