Derby Sunday

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Derby Sunday

Crowds attending the Derby Sunday races at Epsom, including an open-air church service. Date: 1932

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 32250356

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

1932 Busy Crowded Crowds Derby Epsom Evangelism Evangelists Nineteen Open Air Racecourse Races Services Spectators Sunday Horseraces

EDITORS COMMENTS
Derby Sunday at Epsom Races, 1932: A Sea of Hats and Faith This evocative photograph captures the spirit of Derby Sunday at Epsom Races in 1932, an event that brought together thousands of people from all walks of life for a day of excitement, spectacle, and religious devotion. The image shows a bustling crowd, their faces filled with anticipation and joy, as they gather around the open-air church service taking place on the racecourse. The Derby, one of the most famous horseraces in the world, has been a traditional fixture in the British social calendar since 1780. Derby Sunday, the day before the main race, was a day for the public to enjoy the races, picnics, and the unique atmosphere of Epsom Downs. However, it was also a day for religious observance, with evangelists and preachers taking advantage of the large crowds to spread their message. The photograph shows a sea of hats and umbrellas, a testament to the unpredictable English weather, as well as the fashionable attire of the time. The crowd is thick and busy, with people of all ages and backgrounds mingling together, united by their shared love of the races and their faith. The open-air church service adds an unexpected yet fitting element to the day, reminding us that even in the midst of excitement and celebration, there is always room for reflection and spirituality. This photograph, taken in the 1930s, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when the Derby races at Epsom were more than just a sporting event, but a cherished tradition that brought people together in community and faith.

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