THE Canvey Carnival is just one of numerous events to have been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic this year - but these snaps from the Echo archive show how popular the event was in the 1980s and 1990s.

The island first held a carnival way back in 1927 and costume designs have continued to catch the eye over the years.

However, the Canvey Carnival ceased because of rising costs and dwindling interest in 2000.

But the imaginative celebration returned after more than a decade away, with carnival fans returning to Canvey in their droves on August 6, 2011.

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Special moment - Eddie Stacey crowns Suzanne Knox in 1992

Hundreds of spectators gathered along the route of the parade, which was part of a summer fun day organised to bring the community together.

There were 11 big floats and more than 20 groups walked the parade.

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Popular - crowds took to the streets to catch a glimpse of the Canvey Carnival in 1990

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Scroll down to see more photographs of Canvey Carnival during the 1980s and 1990s.

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Bringing the Wild West to Essex - The Shak, a Laindon Western Club, in 1990

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Canvey royalty - Karen Woodberry, Suzanne Knox, Samantha Butcher and Andrea Lloyd in 1991

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In good spirits - Mercury Telecraft employees got involved in 1992

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Entertainment value - majorettes show off their skills in 1992

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Legendary figure - Flo Hudson retired from the Carnival Association in 1995

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Stepping back in time - a Viking invasion at the 1987 Canvey Carnival

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Using their imagination - the Fourth Canvey Sea Scouts Group attempt to bring Peter Pan to life in 1989

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King of the Castle - Alan, Sheila and Ian Jones