WIDESPREAD celebrations took place to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 67 years ago.

These pictures from the archives of Aireborough Historical Society capture the joy felt by local people.The ceremony, on June 2, 1953, was marked with street parties, fancy dress, bonfires and fireworks.

The coronation was held at Westminster Abbey, following a 900 year old tradition.

But in one respect it was thoroughly modern - becoming the first ever to be televised. It was watched by millions of people both in the UK and around the world.

In Aireborough celebrations went on for a week, starting on May 30 and culminating in the day of the coronation itself on June 2.

A souvenir programme, donated to AHS by Brian Triffitt, lists all the plans for the week. On the day itself Guiseley Brass Band and Yeadon Old Prize Band toured the two districts, and competitions were held for the best decorated streets and shop window displays.

The programme said:“The Coronation ceremony in London will be relayed by courtesy of local television dealers (Messrs Armitage and Longbottom, Mr H Child, P Watson Ltd, West Riding Radio Relay Co. Ltd and Mr W Stanley) to audiences of people of 65 years and over in the Town Hall Guiseley, the Town Hall Yeadon and the Temperance Hall Rawdon, admission free but by ticket only.

“Later, the halls will be open to the general public, when admission will be free of charge without a ticket.

“The ceremony will also be relayed to an audience of children in the village school, Hawksworth.”

Cricket and bowls matches took place and children were treated to tea

Entertainment was organised by Aireborough Urban District Council at Nunroyd Park, and included a concert by Yeadon Old Prize Band, children’s fancy dress competition, six- a- side football, archery, dancing, community singing, boxing, wrestling, a dog display, a bonfire and fireworks.

The top left photograph was donated to AHS by John Lupton and shows St Oswald’s Nursery School. It is thought to have been taken at a coronation party. The teacher on the left was Morwenna Kelly, the assistant teacher was Mrs Braum.

Next to that can be seen Park Road residents posing in front of Yeadon Town Hall. The picture was donated to the society by Mr and Mrs Witham. Standing to the right of the man beneath the lamp is Gerald Witham, his parents Eric and Muriel Witham are in front of him slightly to the right. On the front row sixth in from the left is Christopher Witham.

On the bottom of the left hand page youngsters can be seen enjoying a party at Yeadon Town Hall.

The main photograph to the right is believed to have been taken during a coronation tribute.

It shows women from the Darby and Joan committee who provided entertainment in Yeadon Town Hall. Two of the women are holding a picture of the monarch, and the words ‘God Save Our Queen’ are displayed at the front of the stage.

On the right hand page children can be seen enjoying a party at Guiseley. The donor of the image is Angela Luty - the girl at the front pointing her finger. The picture of the fancy dress party shows residents of Masefield Street and Bacon Street in Guiseley.