IN FEBRUARY 1977, a boisterous crowd of Cirencester Royal Agricultural College students filled the town’s streets with a series of outrageous activities. 

But their shenanigans had a purpose – to raise as much money as possible for their chosen charities during ‘Rag Week.’

The Standard reported on March 4 how on the previous Friday morning, students trolleyed through Cirencester for their Rag Week pram race. The race started at the college with each entrant drinking a pint of beer and continued with ‘refreshment’ stops along the way. 

Locals witnessed a rather unusual traffic jam in the city centre as a ridiculous array of chariots competed for first place.

On the Saturday, the Rag procession weaved through town with themed floats such as pirates and nightmare nurses. Some used puns for names, such as Desirabull, while others showed their patriotic colours with ‘Queen Rules O.K.’

21-year-old Joan Bowman donned a giant sash as Rag Queen ’77 and led the procession.

The college may have achieved university status in 2013, but they still hold Rag Week annually to fundraise for student-chosen good causes. This year featured students pulling a tractor around Cirencester.