GLORIOUS sunshine brought the crowds out for Dover Castle Pageant on Monday, when over 8,000 attended. The last pageant, in 1983, was blighted by rain but this time could not have been better - a long-awaited taste of summer.
Music of a different kind came from the Duke of York's Royal Military School Band which
played and paraded the 44 Dover's throughout the world.
Duke of York Royal Military School Band
Countess of Guilford opens the 1985 Dover Pageant
Greatest spectacle of the day was the grand parade - centuries of history portrayed in mainly
home-made, but nevertheless excellent, costumes. Seven-year-old Xanthe Williams, of London Road, Dover, dressed as Princess Elizabeth, was picked as the best of those taking part in the parade.
Climax to the events came with a daylight firework display recreating Hellfire Corner
Dover suffering enemy bombardment from 1940-45.
This brought things to a spectacular close and history had well and truly been brought to life.
Chariot races provided some excitement with two teams from Pageant sponsors Sealink British Ferries - from the ferry St Anselm and from the shore staff - from Dover Fire Brigade (Chariots of Fire!), Dover Rugby Club, and, for Inernational Youth Year, from the YMCA.