Aberaeron Carnival

From the collection of

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive
Established in 2001, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive holds an unrivalled collection of films, TV and radio broadcasts, video tapes and sound recordings relating to Wales and the Welsh, from 1898 to the present day. The collection spans multiples formats and genres, both professional and amateur.

Aberaeron Carnival


The ‘Ku Klux Klan' makes an appearance at the carnival in Aberaeron, as it did in 1923 on the streets of Aberystwyth during a “Rag” parade.

Amongst the children's tropical scene float, the Turkish Delighters, the Beverley Hillbillies and the variously fancy-dressed people, appear several swathed in Ku Klux Klan outfits, a questionable but not unique choice of costume for a light-hearted, community event. The title ‘The College "Rag" - Friday, March 2nd, 1923 – Aberystwyth' features similarly clad fun-seekers, decades earlier. Races in Alban Square follow the procession.

Mrs Catherine E Davies, mother of the film-maker [Gwilym] Alun Davies, is seen leaving her house to watch the carnival attended by, it is believed, her two Canadian neices. The three women are seen returning inside ‘Tremle', the house next door to the Memorial Hall when it is all over. The film-maker's son, who is on the children's tropical scene float, wins a running race and his two Canadian cousins come last - but still smiling - in a three-legged race.


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