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.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

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.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

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

Join us on a trip down memory lane by joining our We grew up in Essex Facebook group. If you have old photos and stories to share with our readers, simply complete our online form.

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

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

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

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

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

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

In good spirits - Mercury Telecraft employees got involved in 1992

READ MORE

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Entertainment value - majorettes show off their skills in 1992

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

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

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

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

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

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

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

King of the Castle - Alan, Sheila and Ian Jones