Members of Rowntrees department store at Scarborough prepare for the annual Benelux Festival Parade. The theme for 1965 is 'Fiesta marina'. The fabrics and designs for the outfits are discussed by the staff, and the float is built and decorated. The film begins with an artist writing a message on a large piece of card which reads; ‘The last…but not the least!’ She holds up the finished notice for the camera which has the additional words; ‘Dutch Festival 1965’. The film cuts to a...

Members of Rowntrees department store at Scarborough prepare for the annual Benelux Festival Parade. The theme for 1965 is 'Fiesta marina'. The fabrics and designs for the outfits are discussed by the staff, and the float is built and decorated. The film begins with an artist writing a message on a large piece of card which reads; ‘The last…but not the least!’ She holds up the finished notice for the camera which has the additional words; ‘Dutch Festival 1965’. The film cuts to a book with blue cover. A hand opens the book of photographs which show the costumes and mobile floats that have been produced in previous years by Rowntree’s store. A view looks down on two men having discussion in an office. One of the men starts producing drawings on paper. The design drawn is of a stylised fish. An envelope is brought into the office and given to the two men; it contains more drawings of the fish. The two men and a woman walk through various sections of the department store. They stop in an area where fabric is displayed, and they begin looking through various rolls of material. They walk to another area which displays hats, they have some discussion and examine some hats on display. In a workroom a close view shows a mock-up of an elaborate headdress on display. A man works on some footwear, some other girls work with coloured fabric or paper. General views in the workroom show complete and partially complete costumes and headwear [some blurred images] Views follow of individuals trying out costumes which are checked for correct fit and other adjustments. A woman works on a costume at a sewing machine [blurred] someone else applies decoration to some headwear. More close views follow of work continuing on other costumes. A man tries on an elaborate example of headwear finished with green feathers. Other examples of completed headwear are also checked for fit. A male member of staff, possibly the promotions manager tries on the bright pink footwear he’s been working on. Another male member of staff works on a set of gloves which have large protruding fingernails [blurred]. General views show costumes and accessories being completed. In a garage work is underway to build the float which will lead the Rowntree’s entry in the Dutch Festival parade. A wire frame is being attached to a large box structure. The frame is constructed in the shape of a fish, a wood construction goes into the frame to support those who will be riding on the float. Two men continue work on the metal frame; another continues with the woodwork. The metal framework for the tailfin is added. A wire mesh is placed over the frame. and red cellophane tape is pushed into the holes of the mesh[blurred]. Several people are doing this work as the covering is being done by hand. A closer view shows the name of the float painted on the side of the float which reads ‘Fiesta Marina’. The fish mounted on top is slowly being completed. Glitter or something similar is added to the surface of box which supports but also hides the vehicle which powers the float. Views follow of workers putting finishing touches to the float. Closer views show details of the internal wood framework, and the open seat where the driver will sit, whose only view ahead is through the fish’s mouth. The film ends with a view of workers adding more material to the model fish and also using the coloured cellophane to highlight the words ‘Fiesta Marina’ painted on the side of the float.