Herne Bay Newsreel: The Carnival

Herne Bay pulls out all the stops for its 1967 Carnival - filmed in glorious colour by John Clague - with Beauty Queens, bagpipes and a harem on wheels

After a briefing of officials and judges the film moves on to Herne Bay's seafront where we see expectant crowds lining the promenade while a number of local Lord Mayors and other guests are seated in the foreground. As the colourful and exotic floats pass by costumed collectors with buckets tout for cash donations. Floats bearing Miss Herne Bay and Miss Ramsgate pass along as well as a 'harem' float, a team of huskies and a Scottish pipe band.

John Clague was a keen amateur filmmaker who was based in Herne Bay. From 1934 to 1970 he produced annual newsreels showing events in Kent, particularly in Herne Bay and Canterbury. He used 9.5mm film at first but by the 1950s had adopted 16mm film and the collection forms a lively chronicle of Kentish life over 36 years. An architect by profession, John set up his own company in the 1930s, working on a diverse range of projects throughout the region.