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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Aberaeron Carnival
The ‘Ku Klux Klan’ makes an appearance at the carnival in Aberaeron, as it did in 1923 on the streets of Aberystwyth during a “Rag” parade.
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Overview
Amongst the children’s tropical scene float, the Turkish Delighters, the Beverley Hillbillies and the variously fancy-dressed people, appear several swathed in Ku Klux Klan outfits, a questionable but not unique choice of costume for a light-hearted, community event. The title ‘The College "Rag" - Friday, March 2nd, 1923 – Aberystwyth’ features similarly clad fun-seekers, decades earlier. Races in Alban Square follow the procession.
Mrs Catherine E Davies, mother of the film-maker [Gwilym] Alun Davies, is seen leaving her house to watch the carnival attended by, it is believed, her two Canadian neices. The three women are seen returning inside ‘Tremle’, the house next door to the Memorial Hall when it is all over. The film-maker’s son, who is on the children’s tropical scene float, wins a running race and his two Canadian cousins come last - but still smiling - in a three-legged race.
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