This film is part of Free
Festival of Britain London Exhibitions
Lights and laughter at the Southbank as Londoners marvel at the 'Festival of Britain'.
Overview
The kaleidoscopic spectacle that was the Festival of Britain lights up this vivid and colourful footage, shot by an enthusiastic amateur. In the summer of 1951, as a morale-boosting celebration of postwar Britain's cultural achievements, London's Southbank was transformed from unloved slum land into a whimsical wonderland of carnival attractions and dramatic new buildings.
Beginning with black and white shots of a Scout bonfire (2,000 bonfires were lit on the evening of May 3rd to open the Festival), the action quickly moves to the Southbank Exhibitions, where an array of quirky contraptions is captured in full colour. Highlights include the 'Dome of Discovery' and the Skylon Tower (both dismantled a few months later), plus the amazing ornamental pleasure gardens and funfair at Battersea, with the iconic power station puffing smoke in the background.
Related
Festival in London Festival in London
Documentary 1951 10 mins Location: Lambeth Br
Experience the futuristic delights on offer at London's South Bank during the Festival of Britain
Edinburgh Film Festival Trailer Edinburgh Film Festival Trailer
Advert 1953 1 mins Silent Location: Edinburgh
You will want to visit Edinburgh’s famous Cameo theatre for a 1950s Edinburgh Film Festival extravaganza after seeing this enticing rolling text advertisement!
Aldeburgh Festival Aldeburgh Festival
Short documentary 1963 13 mins Location: Aldeburgh
By 1963, Suffolk's Aldeburgh Festival was very much on the world music map but the annual invasion of 'foreigners' didn't go down well with all the locals.
Ancient Beltane Festival at Glastonbury Tor Ancient Beltane Festival at Glastonbury Tor
Current affairs 1966 1 mins Silent Location: Glastonbury Tor
Rite of spring is celebrated to signify renewal
A Day in London A Day in London
Travelogue 1920 16 mins Silent Location: Westminster
Take a gentle tour of central London landmarks in this travelogue made shortly after WWI.
Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music
News 1970 2 mins Silent Location: Shepton Mallet
Progressive gathering of festival goers hits the blues.
Easter Parade Easter Parade
Amateur film 1966 4 mins Silent Location: Battersea Park
All things bright and beautiful: flowers, floats, fire engines and the football World Cup burst into colour at the Easter festivities.
London Adventure with the Wetton Family: Wetton Personal Film London Adventure with the Wetton Family: Wetton Personal Film
Amateur film 1951 12 mins Silent Location: London
A break from post-war austerity as the Wetton family explore Battersea Pleasure Gardens and the South Bank.
Silver Haze - Exclusive Q&A Silver Haze - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 29 mins
Vicky Knight sits down with Rowan Woods for an extended discussion on the making of the film Silver Haze. *Contains Spoilers*
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.