TARRING and feathering is usually deemed as a form of humiliation and torture, but for many in 1959 - they did it to for fun.

The rain clouds had departed, the sun shone and 400 yards of Fair Oak road became the stage for laughter and japes.

The Fair Oak Carnival procession came alive with the sound of music as the Bitterne and West End Military led the procession on July 15, 1959.

Carnival queen Christobel Dixon rode at the leading float with her attendants, each of them waving while being pulled by a red tractor.

Outstanding in the tar and feather section was Harold Stevens , winner of the gentlemen’s fancy dress, who tarred and feathered himself.

The oddly popular procedure was a topical reference to the tarring and feathering of an oak tree which had taken place around that time.

Money raised by the carnival was in aid of a fund to provide the village with a playing field.