Carnival season is just around the corner – with summer on the horizon – so we have delved into our photo archives to rediscover some eye-catching photographs of one of south Essex most-loved extravaganzas.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Beauty - the 1956 carnival queenBeauty - the 1956 carnival queen

Southend Carnival has been going strong since 1906, with tens of thousands of revellers heading to our seaside town to get involved in the festivities.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Fancy that - two tots in fun costumes in 1987Fancy that - two tots in fun costumes in 1987

However, the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the carnival – like so many other events across the country – being unable to go ahead as planned last year.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Vintage glamour - carnival queens are crowned in 1939Vintage glamour - carnival queens are crowned in 1939

Our snaps date all the way back to 1931, while we have also included photographs from the 1939 Southend Carnival.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Visit - the carnival court drops into Southend HospitalVisit - the carnival court drops into Southend Hospital

The little ones pictured in that year’s baby show would be in their 80s now.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Pride and joy - mums and tots at the 1939 carnival baby showPride and joy - mums and tots at the 1939 carnival baby show

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Can Can girl - Clair Duo, 11, from Leigh, at the 1987 carnivalCan Can girl - Clair Duo, 11, from Leigh, at the 1987 carnival

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Costumed cutie - Kristina Holland, two, pictured in 1987 dressed as a sandcastleCostumed cutie - Kristina Holland, two, pictured in 1987 dressed as a sandcastle

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Vintage - these elegant carnival court members are enjoying their day in the spotlightVintage - these elegant carnival court members are enjoying their day in the spotlight