Spring hat displays offer delightful images though they require considerable effort, particularly when it’s late evening and parents suddenly recall they should have created something handmade with their little one for the next day.
Despite the work involved, these occasions produce charming photographs as we mark the arrival of spring and fresh starts. This nostalgia feature, timed to coincide with the Easter break, examines how Easter hat displays have featured in Coventry across different eras.
The majority of our images come from the 2008 to 2011 period, meaning many of the children captured in these photographs will now be young adults. One particular image dates back to 1979, illustrating just how enduring this endearing custom has proven to be.
The practice does appear to have gained favour recently, with numerous early years settings and childcare centres participating. Browse through our image collection below and feel free to add your own recollections in the discussion section.
At Kingsley Junior school, pupils including five-year-old Danielle Chambers, seven-year-old Eva Healy and five-year-old Isabella Miller model their creations. Children from Best Start Nursery, including three-year-old Samuel and his mother Anne Grindal, pose in their festive headwear. Pupils from Pearl Hyde school on Dorchester Way in Walsgrave take part, with participants including nine-year-old Lewis Sayers, nine-year-old Priya Patel and nine-year-old Jay Mistry. Children display their handmade bonnets at Chase Avenue in Coventry on 5 April 1979. Youngsters from Pearl Hyde school include four-year-old Cameron Smith, five-year-old Esha Khan and four-year-old Megan Bayliss. Pupils from Weddington Pre School participate in their hat display. Three-year-old Oliver Bristlin and his father Tim wear their bonnets at Best Start Nursery. Kingsley Junior school features seven-year-old Eva Healy and five-year-old Isabella Miller. Pupils from Cannon Park Primary School on Cannon Hill Road in Coventry hold their hat display, with participants including four-year-old Sophia Western and four-year-old Mutaz Al’Soofi. Children at Westwood Day Nursery line up, including Charlene Corbett, Anna Oke, Kayleigh Crabtree, Charlie Atkinson, Melanie Leatherland, Evie Mellor and Michelle Ashton. Pearl Hyde school features five-year-old Esha Khan. Five-year-old Rachel Cooper is pictured at Pearl Hyde school. Six-year-old Paige Morris takes part at Pearl Hyde school. Cannon Park Primary School holds its hat display, with reporter Cara Simpson covering the event. Faye Hunt and her one-year-old son Malachy, along with five-year-old Maddie Christopher, display their bonnets at Best Start Nursery.