Arran Farmers Society Annual Fair 1951

Take the steamer to the beautiful Isle of Arran, for a wonderful day out in the summer of 1951 for the Arran Farmers’ Society Annual Fair in Lamlash. Everyone is spruced up, as immaculate horses, cows and sheep are displayed for the camera and the happy crowds - even the children get to show off the calves. Share some ice cream from a popular ice cream van, or watch vintage bicycles, vans and buses go by, for a day out to remember in this lovely local topical film.

Local topical films were made specifically to be shown to local cinema audiences, and were popular from the early days of cinema until the late 1950s. Local cinemas would film popular local events such as gala days, parades, local festivals and holidays, with a remit to get in as many close ups of faces in the crowd as possible. Hence the frequent use of the panning shot, very much the hallmark of the local topical, to maximise the audience who would be enticed into the picture hall a few nights later with the prospect of seeing themselves on the big screen. There was no dedicated cinema on Arran, but films were shown in village halls around Arran by Caledonian Associated Cinemas, who sponsored this film.