Countesthorpe: Coronation Celebrations - June 1953

Don't forget your souvenir mug! At Countesthorpe in Leicestershire villagers unite to celebrate the 1953 Coronation with sporting events and fancy dress.

Like countless towns and villages across the country, the people of Countesthorpe in Leicestershire took to the streets to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953. Children are the focus here, from the sports day races to the elaborately designed costumes for the fancy dress parade. The ancient and modern come together as knights and jesters of 'Merrie England' are judged against a boy dressed as the must-have device of the time: a television.