The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border.
This film is part of Free
Alvey: Derbyshire Customs
From Well Dressing to Garland Day and even elephants in Alfreton - a celebration of the traditional customs of Derbyshire in this reel from amateur filmmaker Fred Alvey.
From the collection of:
Overview
As is typical for home movies this reel was shot by Fred Alvey over several years in the 1960s. At this time farming was still important but tourism was on the increase. From the Derbyshire County Show held at Elvaston in 1961 to cars flooding into the picturesque village of Tissington for the well dressing festival of 1962, this film shows how the county had become a serious draw for holidaymakers and day-trippers by the early 1960s.
Well Dressing is synonymous with Derbyshire and is said to be traceable back to outbreaks of the Black Death in the 14th century. Many areas still practising the custom do so however thanks to 19th or 20th century revivals. The Garland Day celebrations in Castleton commemorate the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660.
Related
Watch for free
Alfreton Carnival 1931 Alfreton Carnival 1931
1931 9 mins Silent Location: Alfreton
Alfreton pulls out all the stops with a carnival to raise money for a Derbyshire hospital
Watch for free
Unveiling of the War Memorial to the Men of Alfreton Unveiling of the War Memorial to the Men of Alfreton
Non-Fiction 1927 7 mins Silent Location: Alfreton
Thousands gather in Alfreton to remember the dead of the Great War.
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.