Coronation Celebrations, 1953

On this Queen’s Birthday long weekend, we look back to the celebrations of the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. This was a huge event in Lyttelton, with a Coronation arch erected at the end of Oxford Street, between the old Harbour Board building (now Super) and the Post and Telegraph Office (sadly demolished post-earthquakes). There were speeches, bands, and a street parade which even included a giant chicken! Free treats were handed out to willing recipients – perhaps there are some residents who remember the excitement of that day?