These children were set to raise the roof.

They had been preparing for weeks to put on a Scout and Guide Show to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.

This picture was taken at the dress rehearsal, by which time every song should have been memorised and every line learned.

In fact, these are only some of the children who took part — the cast totalled 400.

How did they manage to get that number of children, plus the audience, into Exeter Hall at Kidlington?

The show, which lasted three nights, began with the entire cast singing Congratulations, the Cliff Richard hit, and ended with that famous Scouting song, Crest of a Wave.

In between, there were sketches, dancing, singing, old tyme music hall and ballet — something for everyone, one would imagine.

No doubt, the hall was packed with parents itching to see their offspring performing on stage, in many cases for the first time.

The compere of the show was Norton Perkins, assistant leader of the 33rd Oxford (Kidlington) Sea Scout troop.

He told the Oxford Mail that he expected packed audiences every night.

He said: “It’s going to be a fantastic variety show. Most of the units taking part have worked out their own acts and designed their own props.”

We haven’t been able to trace any post-show report to see whether his predictions were right.

But with such smart costumes and the confident smiles above, we’re sure it turned out all right on the night.

This was one of hundreds of events held in Oxfordshire in 1977 to celebrate the Queen’s 25 years on the throne.

Street parties and other celebrations were held everywhere.

During February and March of that year, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh went on an extensive tour of the Commonwealth to show their appreciation to people in various parts of the world.

Do you recognise yourself or anyone else in the picture?