London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
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Kent: In the Merry Month of May
Charming film of cherubic children, as London’s new May Queen Bobbie Hastings enjoys a ceremonial crowning at Hayes Common.
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Overview
A great favourite of the Topical Budget cameras, this film shows the 1928 May Queen ceremony, with Bobbie Hastings, wearing one hell of a tutu, awarded the top prize. After having a crown screwed rather unceremoniously on her head, she addresses her subjects before being carried on a litter through crowds of white-clad children. Ends with some horn blowing and a dance round the maypole.
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