'Pearlies' date back to 1875 when a young orphan, Henry Croft, admiring the pearl button seams on some of the market traders, decided to go one better and cover his entire suit in buttons. With the attention this drew he set about collecting money to help others.

Today, around 30 East End families continue the tradition to raise money for various charities.

Each London Borough has a King and Queen, as do the City of London and the City of Westminster. It's a colourful London tradition and one that has been kept alive by a few dedicated people, who remain figureheads for the capital's working class communities.

The Harvest Festival is our flagship event with all the Kings and Queens decked out in their shiniest and most elaborate outfits.