The celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday on May 24 (know as the 'Queen's Birthday' from 1837-1902) was renamed Empire Day in 1903 after her death in 1901. It was celebrated throughout the British Empire culminating in fireworks and bonfires in the evening. The last celebration of Empire Day in Australia took place in 1958.

Following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, celebrations were held on the anniversary of her birthday on 24 May. These festivities commemorated deeds of patriotism across the British Empire. In Australia from about 1905, schools celebrated Empire Day with speeches and concerts extolling loyalty and citizenship. 

In the Hawkesbury district, Empire Day was celebrated in the local schools with prize giving ceremonies, sports carnivals, public picnics and dances. Whilst most Empire Day activities were directed at school children during the day, the town of Richmond held an annual evening fancy dress pageant.

The Richmond Empire Day parade attracted hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators. Led by the mayor on horseback, those dressed in fancy costumes walked from St Monica’s Church, down Windsor Street, West Market Street and March Street, past various hotels, carrying flaming torches and accompanied by bands. The procession ended at the park where there was a huge bonfire and moonlight concert.

The students at Hawkesbury Agricultural College were key performers in the Empire Day parade and put much effort into their entertaining and satirical costumes. In the 1913 parade, the winner for the most sustained performance was the suffragette Mrs Pankhurst (played by HAC student T. Rutherford).

These images portray students dressing up in a variety of costumes to celebrate the event. Empire Day was also known as 'Cracker Night'.