The Festive Appearance of Parliament Square. A general view of the decorated Coronation stands in Parliament Square, overlooked by Big Ben. With the erection of Coronation Stands and decorations, Parliament Square has acquired a very un-Parliamentary appearance. In fact, the vast, canvas-covered stands are rather reminiscent of the old jousting arenas where medieval knights met in combat. Over the holiday weekend thousands of sightseers have been making their Pilgrimage round London, for the time being the centre of she world, where the festive appearance of old familiar places hold a promise of the unrivalled pageantry to come. May 25, 1953. (Photo by Fox Photos).