Fun in their Finery

The Crown Film Unit produced a film called “Festival in London”.  It is a colour trip around the South Bank on a gloriously sunny day, a light breeze rippling the flags.  Anybody attending the festival on that day must have remembered it for the rest of their lives.  People look happy, engaged and vital.  In the days before we got spoiled, this outing must surely have been a highlight of their existence.

Another really notable thing about the people in the film is their dress. Everyone has turned out in their finery.  All of the women look like Princess Elizabeth and every man wears a blazer – either over his suit or a V neck sweater and tie.  Even the young boys all wear blazers and it looks like a hot day. This is so noticeably different to today.  Look at a queue to visit an attraction during the summer holidays – people dress in their most comfortable clothes and quite often show off acres of pink and wobbly flesh. Not so in 1951.  This wasn’t an opera or a ballet, it was a day of fun meant to appeal to all but self respect was maintained at all times.  Along with respect for all the others that have to stand in the queue behind them.  They made a day of it and this included bedecking themselves in their best clothes and really making an effort. This is a midcentry attitude that I want back!