But in the 1960s, Northampton’s social calendar was filled with beauty competitions, “Miss” titles for all sorts of things – including the Mercury and Herald newspaper and fashion shows.
The Carnival Queen title was much sought-after as well – and we’ve taken a look into the archives of the Chronicle & Echo to find these fantastic images of a time long since passed.
The vast majority of the photographs are from the 1960s – if they bring back any memories of friends or family, please email [email protected]

25. Looking Back Beauty and Carnival Queens
Miss Chronicle & Echo Dale Steel serves at the opening of a new Co-op food & wine shop in The Ridings, Northampton 1986 Photo: Chron

26. Looking Back Beauty and Carnival Queens
Fashion parade at Overstone, February 24, 1959 Photo: Chron

27. Looking Back Beauty and Carnival Queens
Grose fashion cavalcade, February 16, 1966 Photo: Chron

28. Looking Back Beauty and Carnival Queens
Roses Fashion winner June 7, 1962 Photo: Chron

