National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Rhyl May Day
After a five year lull for the war, Rhyl resumes its May Day celebration and does the occasion proud.
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Overview
There’s been nothing like it in Rhyl since 1915! People lean out of windows as the parade rolls prom-wards down Queen Street, the May Queen’s house festooned with union jacks. Queen Daisy herself is resplendent in her carriage, and ex-Queen Chrissie is feted, too. For those not on wheels, the prom and Pavilion Gardens are a perfect stage – fancy regalia not compulsory, but top hats de rigeur.
Rhyl’s May Day festival was an annual event established in 1891 to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Derek Shannon had taken over Market Street cinema from Arthur Cheetham in May 1919, and with the Shannon Film Co. produced local topicals covering events such as the Flying Week, Lifeboat Day and the May Day event. The latter had not been held since 1915 due to the war, so that year’s May Queen, Chrissie Davies of Princes Street, appears here with the new Queen – Daisy Jones of Water Street. Awards abounded, including for best equipped fire brigade and all manner of traders’ vehicles.
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