Gloria recalls excitement of last coronation

WHEN the UK last had a coronation Plymouth staged nine days of events and dressed up the entire city centre. For the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II the City of Plymouth really went to town with a huge programme of concerts, parades, dances, fireworks and even a mock battle

- WILLIAM TELFORD

The fun started on May 29, 1953, and continued until coronation day on June 2 and didn’t conclude until June 6. Businesses, householders and “citizens generally” were urged to “display illuminations, flags, flowers, evergreens and other decorations” and even decorate their cars.

The city centre, particularly Royal Parade but also Armada Way, was dressed with flags, pennants, garlands, flower pots and lots of rope to symbolise links with the Royal Navy. There were also decorations in Devonport, Stoke, and all the entrances to the city, including Roborough and Laira.

All this to brighten up a city which was still showing the scars from the Nazi bombing. Arches were even put over roads and the Hoe was illuminated with fairy lights.

On coronation day itself there were immense military parades and displays, concerts and a talent show on the Hoe, sports contests, dancing, and naval manoeuvres in the Sound. There was even a “mock air attack” at 11pm before the day was brought to a close with a firework display and the lighting of a giant bonfire on the Hoe.

The details were included in a 38-page official souvenir programme, produced by the council and sold for sixpence to the population of the city. Gloria Bragg, from Crownhill, has a copy in pristine condition which has been in her family’s possession for 70 years.