DRIVE TO CONCERT

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29910, 25 August 1962, Page 10

DRIVE TO CONCERT

Eager Throngs Watch An eager crowd of between 6000 and 7000 gave King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit a warm cheering reception as they stepped from their hotel into the chilly night air for their drive to a Royal concert in the Civic Theatre last evening. Crowds from four to six deep lined the footpaths along the route through Cathedral square, Colombo street. Gloucester street, and Manchester street. Some 570 members of the armed services lined the streets, in addition to police and traffic officers. The area before the United Service Hotel was so crowded by 8 p.m. that buses had to take alternative routes, while others were so hemmed in that they had to wait until the Royal party moved off.

Just before the King and Queen were due to leave the hotel they appeared on the balcony to be greeted by loud and enthusiastic cries of approval.

The King was in evening dress and wearing the yellow sash of the Order of Chakri. To the disappointment of the many women Queen Sirikit wore a white mink stole over her gown. A crowd of about 100 persons were waiting outside the theatre when the concert finished at 10 p.m.