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
Aberaeron Carnival
The ‘Ku Klux Klan’ makes an appearance at the carnival in Aberaeron, as it did in 1923 on the streets of Aberystwyth during a “Rag” parade.
From the collection of:
Overview
Amongst the children’s tropical scene float, the Turkish Delighters, the Beverley Hillbillies and the variously fancy-dressed people, appear several swathed in Ku Klux Klan outfits, a questionable but not unique choice of costume for a light-hearted, community event. The title ‘The College "Rag" - Friday, March 2nd, 1923 – Aberystwyth’ features similarly clad fun-seekers, decades earlier. Races in Alban Square follow the procession.
Mrs Catherine E Davies, mother of the film-maker [Gwilym] Alun Davies, is seen leaving her house to watch the carnival attended by, it is believed, her two Canadian neices. The three women are seen returning inside ‘Tremle’, the house next door to the Memorial Hall when it is all over. The film-maker’s son, who is on the children’s tropical scene float, wins a running race and his two Canadian cousins come last - but still smiling - in a three-legged race.
Related
Watch for free
Aberaeron Harbour Aberaeron Harbour
Home movie 1965 12 mins Silent Location: Aberaeron
Absolutely Aberaeron: the boats, the buildings and the greasy pole!
Watch for free
Aberaeron - Alban Square Aberaeron - Alban Square
Home movie 1929 13 mins Silent Location: Aberaeron
Aberaeron’s pharmacist, with ready access to film, takes a camera out with his family and records them in town, on the beach and by the river.
Watch for free
High Explosive Bombs and their effects High Explosive Bombs and their effects
Amateur film 1940 1 mins Silent Location: Aberaeron
Controlled explosions take place in a field, probably organised for civil defence training purposes, and are shot by Aberaeron pharmacist Evan John Thomas.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.