Four years after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Essex is remembering her 1985 visit to Colchester.
Excitement filled the town in May of that year as crowds gathered in their thousands for a glimpse of the Queen during her official visit.
Residents lined the streets several rows deep, eager to welcome Her Majesty as she carried out a series of engagements across the historic city.
During her visit, the Queen toured the University of Essex, where she viewed a library book exhibition and visited the telecommunications building, showcasing the institution’s forward-thinking work at the time.
The visit highlighted Colchester’s growing reputation as a centre for education and innovation.
She later attended a lunch at Colchester Town Hall, where catering students from Colchester Institute were given the honour of serving the monarch - a moment many would remember for years to come.
Perhaps the most vivid scenes came in the town centre.
The Queen appeared on the Town Hall balcony to cheers from the packed crowds below before making her way along the High Street, accepting posies from well-wishers.
As she departed in a glass-topped Rolls-Royce, applause and waving flags followed her through streets filled with pride.
The visit concluded with the official opening of Colchester General Hospital on Turner Road, marking a significant moment for local healthcare.
Today, on the anniversary of her passing, that day in 1985 remains a cherished memory.
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