This film features the 1925 Hebden Bridge Carnival which took place on 20th June, 1925.  This lively carnival is typical of the events which took place in the 1920s and includes a procession through the streets of Hebden Bridge, fancy dress competition, and a strong man entertainment act. Title - Hebden Bridge Carnival & Gala, Saturday June 20th 1925.  Taken Exclusively for the Theatre. The film opens with a large crowd, who will be processing in the gala parade, waiting outside Hebden...

This film features the 1925 Hebden Bridge Carnival which took place on 20th June, 1925.  This lively carnival is typical of the events which took place in the 1920s and includes a procession through the streets of Hebden Bridge, fancy dress competition, and a strong man entertainment act. Title - Hebden Bridge Carnival & Gala, Saturday June 20th 1925.  Taken Exclusively for the Theatre. The film opens with a large crowd, who will be processing in the gala parade, waiting outside Hebden Bridge stations for the festivities to begin.  A panning shot from atop one of the floats captures many faces in the crowd.  The Carnival King and Queen arrive (the Simpson Brothers) and they get onto their float as the crowd shower them with confetti and streamers.  A local dignitary presents the king and queen with a large key, and in turn, is knighted by the king.   There is footage of the spectators as they begin to move along in preparation for the parade.  The king and queen are in a decorated float, and there are shots of some of the other ornate floats, both motorized and horse-drawn.  The townspeople riding on the floats smile for the camera.  Local businesses have sponsored floats including Argosy Footwear and Holroyds.  Jean Wood and her sister Ivy ride on a float advertising Bear Brand stockings.  (It’s likely this footage is all filmed from the corner of Hope Street before setting off on the procession.)   The film moves onto show Market Street, decorated with bunting and crowded with spectators.  Closer panning shots capture members of the crowd, some in fancy dress, and many laughing and smiling for the camera.  They joke around, throwing confetti and streamers, and some have party blowers.  Mr. Greenwood, the manager of the cinema, can be seen here. Bridgegate is also decorated with bunting and lined with spectators.  The Swan Hotel can be seen as well as a sign for the Carnival Ball at Victoria Hall and other shops along the street.  The procession makes its way down the street, led by a brass band and man on horseback.  A pantomime elephant follows before a float carrying someone dressed as Britannia.  Each float has a different theme, and many can be seen as they make their way past the camera.  The crowd cheers and throws confetti as the floats and people parading in fancy dress pass as well.  Participants include:  The Shamrock Comic Band, Hebden Bridge Brass Band, Wilson Harrison, Ambulance members, Boy Scouts, Fire Brigade, a local butchers, Calder Valley Rugby Football Club, Abram Pullman & Sons of Halifax, and Willie Sutcliffe. The crowds begin to move about into the street as the procession has finished.  The cameraman again, using a panning shot, manages to capture many faces of the people in the crowd. Now at Calderfields, the crowds have gathered for more of the day’s entertainment, and many of the spectators smile for the camera.  There are closer shots of those taking place in the fancy dress competition, and men, women, and children sport a variety of costumes.  The Shamrock Comic Band starts to perform, marching towards the camera, and there are many spectators in the bleachers.  The prize-winners of the fancy dress completion are shown before moving onto a weightlifting display.  In the background Sutcliffe’s Weaving Shed and Birchcliffe can be seen.  The weightlifter entertaining the crowd is Jim Schofield, the Yorkshire champion from Heptonstall.  Schofield lifts a large dumbbell before lifting a man in the air with one hand and balancing a kettlebell in the other.  Finally, he balances three spinning cartwheels on his chin.   The film closes with a group of people gathered on the front steps of the cinema.  Members include the cinema manager Mr. Greenwood and Fred Whitely the cinema projectionist.