Jubilee News

Glamorous Grannies, the Town Mayor’s coffee morning, carnival and pram racing; all feature in Downham Market’s Jubilee festivities in 1977.

In June 1977, many towns and villages throughout the United Kingdom celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee. Downham Market marked the historic occasion with a week-long programme of events organised by the Town Council. There was something for everyone; including fancy dress parades, a carnival, tea parties, games and competitions, and commemorative souvenir-giving. This film is a fabulous record of the many clubs and groups, and the townspeople who took part.

A collaborative affair by members of the West Norfolk Cine Club, six amateur filmmakers, all shooting on Super 8 colour film, recorded events in Downham Market during Jubilee Week in June 1977. Mr J.M. Game planned and scheduled when and where filming should take place, as well as editing together the footage, which was often the case for the West Norfolk Cine Club films. Mr Game’s neighbour, George Harvey, provided the music accompaniment, playing on a two-manual organ.