Festival of Britain Closes - 1951 | Movietone Moment | 30 September 16

This day in 1951 marked the closure of the Festival of Britain. About 8.5 million people visited the festival over the four months that it was open. British Movietone covered the last few hours of events at London’s South Bank which included ceremonies and farewells.

The last hours at the South Bank included a number of ceremonies and farewells. There was a Tattoo by the massed bands of the Brigade of Guards on the Fairway. Tens of thousands were present - and people sang. The ceremonial hauling down of the flags provided a sense of finality - this was the end of the Festival here.

Cut story - KS. Pan of Dome of Discovery to thin crowds. Various shots of exhibits including people standing on spot directly under the Skylon & shot of Skylon from that spot. Pan - GV of Festival. Night material. Crowds with searchlights panning backwards & forwards across them. Brigade of Guards playing the Tattoo & Retreat, with searchlights played on them. Crowds. Crowds singing "Jerusalem", being conducted. Flags being lowered, black-out. Crowds singing "Auld Lang Syne" to finish. SEE STORY NUMBER 56096 FOR EXTRA MATERIAL

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