The Langley Methodist Church held a regular gala or carnival during the 1950s, and this photograph, taken on Ella Bank Road, shows the procession heading towards the gala site at the bottom of Breach Road.

The Carnival Queen in 1954 was Marian Burford, of Aldercar. The 18 year old, who worked as a hosiery seamer at Kimberley, was chosen after applications for the role had to be extended since nobody applied the first time it was advertised – but following to decision to extend the deadline for applications there was a rush for the job, with over 10 girls applying. Applicants had to live within two miles of Langley.

The Carnival Queen’s four Attendants, who are also on the float, were Pauline Wright and Anne West, both of Kew Crescent, Sheila Plumb of Claramount Road, and Marilyn Orchard of Hands Road.

The float itself was an eye-catching vehicle; a converted bus, called the “Mobile Throne”, owned by Barton’s Transport, which was available just for events such as this. The registration number of the bus was EME 998, and a couple of other photographs of it in action can be found on the internet. The Midland General also had a similar carnival bus.

The gala was held on Saturday 31st July at Breach Road Farm. As well as a gymkhana there were a variety of races, a fancy dress parade and a pet show. In the evening there was a concert by the No 5 Area NCB St John’s Ambulance band.