This is a film made by Pontefract amateur filmmaker Jack Johnson showing the celebrations for 500 years since Pontefract received its Royal Charter, including the first run of the King Richard III stakes at Pontefract Racecourse. Title – Jack Johnson presents Forever Pontefract Title – Pontefract in Bloom for Quincentenary Celebrations A trip around Pontefract in bloom: parks, roads, flowers stalls in the markets and hanging baskets in the town centre where people are wandering around with...

This is a film made by Pontefract amateur filmmaker Jack Johnson showing the celebrations for 500 years since Pontefract received its Royal Charter, including the first run of the King Richard III stakes at Pontefract Racecourse. Title – Jack Johnson presents Forever Pontefract Title – Pontefract in Bloom for Quincentenary Celebrations A trip around Pontefract in bloom: parks, roads, flowers stalls in the markets and hanging baskets in the town centre where people are wandering around with shop displays marking the anniversary. A group of men and women wander around a park, with a woman holding up a commemorative plate. Then there is a garden party, with drinking sipping glasses of sherry (this part of the film has an audio recording).  Onto the racecourse, with the first running of the King Richard III stakes.  People are watching the races from the stands.  One of the winners is presented with a trophy by a woman in blue and wearing a feather hat. Back to the town centre where there are Morris dancers and female clog dancers, followed by a performance of a medieval play, showing someone receiving the birch.  There are also comedy and juggling acts.  The action moves to a field for a civil war enactment.  There is then a parade through the town centre led by a brass band.  The film ends with a large fireworks display. Title – Finis Title – Forever Pontefract 1484-1984