EASTLEIGH Mardi Gras may not be happening this weekend as it has in previous years, but to help whet your Eastleigh Carnival appetite, we take a look at one from bygone days.

It may have been a dull, grey day, yet the streets of Eastleigh were full of life and colour on August 19, 1970.

Thousands of people lined the route to see the main procession – most armed with umbrellas and garbed in rain macs.

The entry from Pirelli’s Eastleigh comprised a 45ft monster. with a fearsome looking head, as part of their prehistoric themed tableau named “Stoneage Eastleigions”. Around 70 people performed in the entry – each with long caveman-style hair.

An effort from the Powell Duffryn Social Club was the “Mini Mayflower”, a tableau manned by those in traditional Quaker dress offering voyages to the New Worlde.

First prize went to the colourful entry from Eastleigh Old People’s Club in which members dressed in period costumes and grouped around a sedan chair.

Youth organisations were well represented, including more than 40 children from Eastleigh Youth Centre.

ON THIS DAY in 1970

A packet of twenty cigarettes cost 26p.

A Question of Balance from Moody Blues was the best selling album.

Elvis Presley was at number one with The Wonder of You.

Love Story by Eric Segal was the New York Times best selling book.

People may have been watching Catweazle on TV.

Top of the box office was Chisum.