Rare Eisteddfod film screen date

Unique footage showing the first International Eisteddfod of 1947 is to be screened to raise money to restore the tomb of The Ladies of Llangollen.

Rare films also showing post-war celebrations in Llangollen and everyday life in the town have been saved for future generations.

Shot by the late Caesar Hughes, a watchmaker in the town, the films have given to Aberystwyth University.

His son, Gwilym Hughes, said the films had a great historical value.

"It is probably the only film of the first International Eisteddfod," said Mr Hughes.

"It is obviously not very good quality compared to what we have today and it is quite short, but it is there, " he added.

"It is significant because it is the end of the war, it's unique - there was probably no other cine cameras in Llangollen at that time"
Gwilym Hughes

The special screening evening is part of a fundraising project to restore the tomb of The Ladies of Llangollen.

Mr Hughes said he and his father used to enjoy capturing local events on cine film.

"We both had an interest in it, he and I. I used to take the camera out but my films are later and of less historical interest," Mr Hughes explained.

Unique

War-time scenes also depicting a gathering of the air-raid watch and film featuring local people of the time - including Mabel the Milk Maid - have also been saved at the National Library's Film Archive.

One scene, showing an effigy of Hitler being burned, is the most significant according to Mr Hughes.

"The best part, undoubtedly, is the burning of the effigy of Hitler," he said.

"The effigy is hauled up on a gantry in Smithfield and paraffin or petrol is thrown up at him and ignited. The flames result in the effigy being silhouetted against the mountain.

"It is significant because it is the end of the war, it's unique - there was probably no other cine cameras in Llangollen at that time."

A post-war pageant at Plas Newydd, shows at Pengwern, shots of River Dee frozen over and a Royal train leaving Llangollen station in 1953 also feature.

The film will be shown at a special open night organised by Llangollen Historical Society on 7 April at The Hand Hotel.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
BBC - National Eisteddfod of 2007 in Mold, Flintshire
BBC - National Eisteddfod of 2006 in Felindre, Swansea
BBC - North East Wales - Llangollen
BBC - North East Llangollen Town - International Eisteddfod
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