The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Letchworth Festival
A May Queen pageant, Highland piping, and musical theatre. Letchworth's part in celebrating the 1951 Festival of Britain captured by the local Film Society.
From the collection of:
Overview
Letchworth, England’s first Garden City, hold a number of events in 1951 for the Festival of Britain. Norton School hold a May Queen Pageant with a procession and Maypole Dancing. The traditional and contemporary dancing continues from St. Francis College pupils – an Italian theatre Harlequin character takes to the stage, followed by a rather wonderful ballet performance, but that rather strangely features a pantomime cow!
Next, the boys perform, accompanied by bagpipers and dancing in full Highland dress – kilt, sporran, tartan knee socks. At the Round Table Fair runs a miniature steam train, a rather nimble gymnastics display, and an equally fearless ‘push ball’ match. The Boy Scout’s efforts for the festival show their dedication and skill in both camping and sports. A football match, a boxing tournament, and sports days are all scheduled throughout the year by the Festival Committee. The final scenes show amateur theatre and French music hall productions, including making-up backstage. The musical contributions to the Festival may seem pointlessly captured in a silent film, however, the visuals speak for themselves.
Related
Watch for free
Letchworth - Where it all started in 1903 Letchworth - Where it all started in 1903
Promotional 1952 10 mins Silent Location: Letchworth Garden City
1903 saw the launch of "First Garden City Ltd." and the purchase of development land near Hitchin. 50 years on, in Coronation year, Letchworth was worthy of another celebration.
Watch for free
New Towns in Britain New Towns in Britain
1956 14 mins Location: Harlow
An insider's guide to 1950s Harlow made for US audiences, with architect Frederick Gibberd interviewed from the top of the Lawn tower block.
Watch for free
Milton Keynes - A Village City Milton Keynes - A Village City
Cinemagazine 1973 8 mins Location: Milton Keynes
"The most exciting thing going on in Europe, if not the world": welcome to Milton Keynes circa 1973.
Watch for free
New Towns Act New Towns Act
News 1966 3 mins Location: Stevenage
Stevenage is town planning utopia, for it boasts at least 50 - yes 50! - underpasses. Like a pro, the reporter’s enthusiasm enlivens the dry subject matter. Journeying is but a joy!
Watch for free
Welwyn Garden City and Surrounding District Welwyn Garden City and Surrounding District
Amateur film 1957 15 mins Silent Location: Welwyn Garden City
Picturesque tour of Welwyn, England's second Garden City. A rural-urban idyll of spacious residential areas and green community spaces. A marvel of town planning design!
Watch for free
Charley in New Town Charley in New Town
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1948 8 mins
Charley says (no, not that one) that Britain’s new towns are great
Watch for free
Biography of a Blind Man Biography of a Blind Man
Biopic 1960 14 mins Location: Varteg
Blinded at 15, Michael has never sought the support of other blind people, preferring to mix with the sighted, despite the difficulties.
Watch for free
Frank Liptrot Who Talks To The Animals Frank Liptrot Who Talks To The Animals
News 1977 4 mins Location: Letchworth Garden City
Frank Liptrot, gentle and unassuming, has a penchant for imitating the sounds of a range of domestic pets and farm animals.
Watch for free
The Proclamation The Proclamation
Sponsored film 1952 9 mins Silent Location: Letchworth Garden City
Civic dignitaries and Letchworth locals stand elbow to elbow at a ceremony to mark the Proclamation of Queen Elizabeth II's Accession to the Throne.
Watch for free
Life Work of Sir Ebenezer Howard Life Work of Sir Ebenezer Howard
Non-Fiction 1928 18 mins Silent Location: Letchworth Garden City
Film obituary for Sir Ebenezer Howard (1850-1928) founder of England's Garden City Movement. Sir Howard was nicknamed 'Ebenezer Garden City Geyser' by pal George Bernard Shaw.
Watch for free
Letchworth - Where it all started in 1903 Letchworth - Where it all started in 1903
Promotional 1952 10 mins Silent Location: Letchworth Garden City
1903 saw the launch of "First Garden City Ltd." and the purchase of development land near Hitchin. 50 years on, in Coronation year, Letchworth was worthy of another celebration.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.