CARNIVALS have been popular across south Essex for a number of decades and it is hoped they will return this year.

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in scheduled events having to be cancelled last year, meaning there were no colourful parades, fancy dress costumes, dancers, baton-twirlers or crowds lining the streets.

Covid-19 meant the 99th Basildon and Pitsea Carnival could not go ahead as planned last July, but we have taken a trip down memory lane to rediscover these snaps of the Basildon showpiece in the 1980s.

The Basildon Carnival was first held in 1958, while the Pitsea Carnival’s inaugural event took place a whopping 100 years ago.

Echo:

Costumed capers - schoolchildren parade through the town centre in fancy dress in 1989

The two carnivals were united in 2000 and organisers insisted – upon its cancellation in July – that it will be back bigger and better than ever this summer.

Scroll down to see more eye-catching photos which were taken in the 1980s.

Echo:

Making the news - the Echo’s 1988 entry into the parade was led by various staff members of your favourite local newspaper

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On a high - a member of the Flying Gunners Royal Artillery Motorcyclists in action at the Basildon Carnival in the 1980s

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Just smile and wave - raising awareness of St Luke’s Hospice at the popular annual event

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Coming down - the Red Devils arrive at the Basildon Carnival in 1986

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Echo:

Carnival court from 1988 – Leanne Marriott, Karen Withers, Janine Watts and Vicky Humphries smile and wave at the camera

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Fancy dress - Roger Shaw gives our Echo photographer the thumbs up while dressed as Old King Coke

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Taking cover from the rain - Joanne Pluck selling tickets at Basildon Carnival on a wet day in the 1980s

Echo:

Clowning around - it was all fun and games on the St Luke’s Hospice stall at the Basildon Carnival