AN ILLUMINATED boat procession along the Severn from the Waterworks to the Cathedral was the highpoint of Worcester's celebrations of the Coronation of King Edward VII this week exactly a century ago.

A Journal reporter of 1902 waxed lyrical about the river event: "The scene at the Waterworks, the starting point, was beautiful in the extreme. In the centre of the river, big barges, steamers and smaller boats swept into position, while through the gloaming on all sides shone myriads of lamps and twinkling lights, hung above and around the small boats which hugged the dark banks beneath shadowy trees.

"There was no wind, and hardly a ripple broke the glassy surface of the water, save where the wash of steamers made dancing duplicates of the many coloured lights and produced a reflected scene of fairylike beauty.

"Worcester Rowing Club alone provided 60 of the small boats, and the river banks were thickly lined with spectators all along the route of the procession. Indeed, from the rowing club boathouse to the South Quay, the crowds were massed. On the west side of the river, lanterns and lamps were also displayed with pretty effect.

"Coloured lights were strung too along the whole length of the Cathedral terraces and, overall, the Severn was ablaze with colour, befitting the joyous day of celebration. Rockets were fired into the air at intervals, and the evening culminated in a dazzling fireworks display."

It must be remembered that the Coronation of Edward VII had originally been due to take place in June 1902 but had to be postponed at the last moment because the king was suddenly taken seriously ill and had to undergo an emergency abdominal operation. The ceremony at Westminster Abbey were re-scheduled after his recovery for August 9, 1902.

The Journal reported on the day that "the loyalty of Worcester citizens was to be seen on all sides with displays of flags and bunting on public buildings, shops and houses. Streets presented a gay appearance, and particularly ornate were the decorations of the Star Hotel in Foregate Street. From the lower windows of the long frontage were suspended red, fringe bordered curtains bearing a gold crown. Banners elsewhere read 'Long Live the King'.

"Tradesmen closed their shops and workshops, and all the factories allowed their employees out 'to play.' More than 1,580 commemorative plates were presented to the city's old people, and in the afternoon, thousands gathered on Pitchcroft to enjoy the Worcester's Coronation Sports which drew a large number of entries, including many of the best runners and cyclists in the Midlands.

"Patriotic music was played for much of the day in the Guildhall forecourt by the Worcester Civil-Military Band under the direction of Mr Frank Elgar." (He was composer Sir Edward Elgar's brother).