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.
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Festival of Britain Year - 1951 - Merthyr Tydfil
From fancy dress, float and automobile parades, to decorated shop front competitions - the people of Troedyrhiw come out in droves to celebrate the Festival of Britain.
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Overview
Troedyrhiw celebrates the Festival of Britain with a week of festivities from July 8th-July 15th,1951, with street parties, a carnival with crowning of the Festival Queen, sports and games, a 'Troedyrhiw Window Display Competition,' a treasure hunt by car, mixed doubles tennis tournament in Troedyrhiw Park, a swimming contest at Gwaunfarren baths, and a ceremony at the war memorial.
The Festival of Britain marked the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851, and showed Britain's continuing contribution in the fields of science and technology, and art and design. It was felt that it would be a way of raising morale after the devastating effects of WWII. It is probable that the bonfire seen was one of the estimated 2000 beacons that were lit all over Britain.
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