Description:In 1973 Newcastle celebrated its octocentenary to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the charter which gave Newcastle-under-Lyme its status as a Borough. A carnival was held to celebrate the occasion on the last Bank Holiday Monday in May. As part of the celebrations Newcastle had been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip a couple of days before this photograph was taken.
The Carnival was so popular that it became an annual event for many years. It was held on the last Bank Holiday Monday in May and included a procession through the town, charity stalls, fun fair, and many live music performances.
Photographer: Herbert Ogden, Chief Area Surveyor for the National Coal Board in North Staffordshire.