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
Video Player is loading.
First Road Race. Coll v Town Inaugurating the Aberystwyth Town Harriers
February 22nd 1929: They’re off – competitors in a Town v Gown 5-mile circular run from Aberystwyth Town Hall. Filmed by the Cheethams for showing in the local cinema.
From the collection of:
Overview
The Town v Gown 5 mile circular race around Aberystwyth on 22/2/1929 is started at the Town Hall by the Mayor, Lt Col G Fossett Roberts. Taking part is notable athlete D J P Richards, a cross-country winning runner for Wales and Inter-Varsity Champion in 1928. Also featured are Tommy Parnell – “the baby of the event” (according to an inter-title) and Arthur Cheetham – entrepreneur, film-maker, father of the cameraman and proprietor of cinemas in e.g. Aberystwyth.
Hundreds of people have turned out to watch this contest between the University cross-country runners and the newly-formed town team. The distinguished-looking Arthur Cheetham, a pioneer film-maker operating in Wales from the 1890s onwards, makes an appearance at the finishing line, pushing back the crowd so the camera – operated by his son, Gustavus Cheetham – can get good shots of the runners. The film would have been shown later at the Cheetham’s cinema in Market Street, Aberystwyth, where local people would have been able to see themselves as stars on the big screen. Cheetham also had cinemas in Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and Manchester.
Related
Watch for free
Miriam Conquers Pendinas Miriam Conquers Pendinas
Home movie 1969 4 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Onwards and upwards goes toddler Miriam Jones, her little legs taking her to the very top of Aberystwyth's hill fort, Pen Dinas.
Watch for free
Aberystwyth Carnival, June 1975 Aberystwyth Carnival, June 1975
Home movie 1975 4 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Children dressed as double yellow lines indicate that parking in Aberystwyth has been an issue across the centuries!
Watch for free
Mackerel Fishing, Tanybwlch Mackerel Fishing, Tanybwlch
Home movie 1965 2 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
A shoal of mackerel has drawn hordes of fishermen and women to Tanybwlch beach, Aberystwyth, on a warm summer's evening.
Watch for free
Victor H Williams' Family - Aberystwyth 1967 Victor H Williams' Family - Aberystwyth 1967
Home movie 1967 2 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Victor Williams returns to his roots for a holiday that offers trampolines, donkey rides and dodgem-type cars for his daughters to enjoy.
Watch for free
For Those in Peril - offcuts For Those in Peril - offcuts
Documentary 1974 10 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
The men, the inflatable boat and the equipment that help keep those in peril on the sea around Aberystwyth safe.
Watch for free
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - trysordy'r genedl Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - trysordy'r genedl
Amateur film 1937 15 mins Silent Location: Aberystwyth
Behind the scenes at The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth: as readers enter by the front door, acquisitions arrive by lorry at the back.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Watch for free
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.