Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
May Fair
Can you spot a certain Nobody amongst the grown-up babies in the May Fair parade?
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Overview
Horses take over the main street and the sounds of bumper cars compete with the gospel meeting at the May Fair. Fancy dress and fairground rides steal the show despite the sober song of the congregation. This enchanting portrait of Ballyclare’s annual fete was created by local resident and beloved film maker Archie Reid. This is just a taste of his treasure trove of films.
The Ballyclare May Fair is one of Ireland’s last remaining horse fairs. It began in 1757 and still takes place in late May each year. The main street is sanded down for the benefit of the horses’ hooves. Now a weeklong event, modern entertainment joins traditions like hypnotising chickens and choosing the May Fair Queen.
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