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Image Not Available for Article from the Sun Herald titled 'Thrills for Queen at Bondi Carnival'
Article from the Sun Herald titled 'Thrills for Queen at Bondi Carnival'
Image Not Available for Article from the Sun Herald titled 'Thrills for Queen at Bondi Carnival'

Article from the Sun Herald titled 'Thrills for Queen at Bondi Carnival'

Date1954
Object numberANMS0509[009]
NameNewspaper
MediumPaper, ink
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionArticle from The Sun Herald newspaper titled 'Thrills for Queen at Bondi Carnival'. Includes picture of the Queen. Subtitles in article read 'Stayed Extra Time', 'Added Events', 'Stands Packed', 'Enjoyed Day", 'At Randwick'. Another article in paper titled "Queen Delighted by Carnival, Surf-Boat Thrill'.HistoryAs part of the 1954 royal visit, the Queen and Prince Phillip were treated to a Royal Command Surf Carnival event at Bondi. Braving the Australian sun and a "very non-English" temperature of 80°F (26°C), the couple watched surf races, running races, displays of surf rescue and inspected a march past of lifesavers from surf lifesaving clubs across NSW. An estimated 100,000 spectators watched on and it was reported in London: ‘The highlight of yesterday’s festivities was the surf carnival on Bondi Beach, of world fame, in which the Queen and her husband, sitting amid a vast concourse of people in summer clothes, were so interested that they stayed for 40 minutes beyond their appointed time…" (The Times, 8 February, 1954)SignificanceThe Royal Visit in 1954 was not just about introducing the new queen to Australia but also an opportunity to present a post war Australia to the world. An event at Bondi beach with young lifesavers and enthusiastic crowds on show was part of this vibrant narrative.