This photograph has been particularly hard to identify. However, it is believed to have been taken on the day of the Coronation of King George VI. and Queen Elizabeth on 12 May 1937. In the afternoon 200 people had attended the Old Folks tea party in the Town Hall^[1].

Crowds braved the cold and wet weather and there was an evening a concert on the Hall Leys Park by the Nightingale's Concert Party, who were Miss Renee Mills's troupe of dancers, and the Ernest Bailey Secondary School Folk Dancers. There was a large audience^[1].

Many places in the district were illuminated in the evening , including the Hall Leys and Lovers' Walks in Matlock Bath. Riber Castle and Matlock's Parish Church were flood-lit, as were Cromford Tors and North Darley Church. Although bonfires were cancelled, a free dance in the Town Hall ended the day of celebration^[1].

In addition, Matlock's Chamber of Trade had decided to hold competition for the best dressed windows and premises of tradesmen, with prizes given by E. H. Bailey^[2]. The first prize went to Messrs. Wildgoose & Son (the florist), second prize was awarded to Edge Brothers and the third prize went to R. Orme & Co.^[1]

If you have any further information about the identity of anyone in the photographs or confirmation of the date or event of the second picture please contact the web mistress.

References:

^[1] "Derby Daily Telegraph", 13 May 1937. Big Crowds at Matlock.

^[2] "Derby Daily Telegraph", 22 April 1937.