Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
May Fair
Can you spot a certain Nobody amongst the grown-up babies in the May Fair parade?
From the collection of:
Overview
Horses take over the main street and the sounds of bumper cars compete with the gospel meeting at the May Fair. Fancy dress and fairground rides steal the show despite the sober song of the congregation. This enchanting portrait of Ballyclare’s annual fete was created by local resident and beloved film maker Archie Reid. This is just a taste of his treasure trove of films.
The Ballyclare May Fair is one of Ireland’s last remaining horse fairs. It began in 1757 and still takes place in late May each year. The main street is sanded down for the benefit of the horses’ hooves. Now a weeklong event, modern entertainment joins traditions like hypnotising chickens and choosing the May Fair Queen.
Related
Watch for free
The Hungry Grass The Hungry Grass
Amateur film 1981 5 mins Location: Ballyclare
After one hundred years what will it take to finally satisfy the hungry grass?
Watch for free
Scenes from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (1958) Scenes from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (1958)
Travelogue 1958 36 mins Silent Location: Derry / Londonderry
Feast your eyes on the icons that inhabit Northern Ireland's landscape, from the Giant's Causeway to Cave Hill where the silhouette of sleeping giant overlooks Belfast.
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.