The year was 1977, and the towns of Malton and Norton were full of excitement as the late Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Silver Jubilee.
A carnival procession passed through the streets of the towns, which birthed the once-popular Malton and Norton carnival before it folded in 1998.
This raises the question, could the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6 see this carnival procession revived?
Fiona Atkinson attended the 1977 Silver Jubilee Carnival when she was 10 years old.
She now lives in Scarborough, but at the time lived in Parliament Street, Norton.
Photographs belonging to her late father, Malcolm Jones, show the parade’s procession with groups such as Malton Hospital, the Bacon factory club, Norton Brownies and Girl guides.
Fiona said local businesses in the town were keen to lend a helping hand and donate lorries for the day, including Bright Steels, Bells, and Westlers.
“Malton and Norton in those days was a much smaller place – everyone knew everyone.”
She said the parade was held the day before most people had street parties for the Jubilee.
“They all came together for the Silver Jubilee and people made lots of food and had some really good parties.
“Everyone just came out. It was just a really good time.”
On whether this could happen today Fiona said she was unsure.
“Malton and Norton have changed so much,” she said.
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Fiona added that additional measures would have to be introduced to meet health and safety requirements today.
Cllr Dinah Keal, Mayor of Norton, said the return of the carnival has been discussed by Norton Town Council previously.
She said the carnival came to an end as it became “too difficult” to organise with members of the team no longer available, and also echoed Fiona's point that it would have to adapt to modern health and safety requirements.
The Mayor, however, did say that if a group formed to organise the carnival, it would be welcomed by the town council.
“It would be great to get it back,” she said.
Cllr Keal added that floats could pay homage to how Malton is today, with food vendors creating displays.
She went on to say that the carnival would add to the existing offerings of the towns.
Cllr Ian Conlan, Mayor of Malton, said: “As an individual councillor, I think it would be a good idea.”
The Mayor, however, added that such an event would require a great deal of organisation, but said: “I am sure Malton Town Council would get behind it if someone was to volunteer their time to do this.”
Mark Brayshaw, head of Visit Malton, said Visit Malton has no plans for a Coronation carnival event, as they are focusing their efforts on a food festival to mark the occasion.
But he did say: “If there’s a will for people to do it Visit Malton would support (organisers) to put it on.”
How are you celebrating the Coronation? Let us know: gazette@gazetteherald.co.uk
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