The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
May Day Sports 1979
A wet welly race, tug o' war, and maypole dancing are the traditions of the May Day celebrations in Pulham Market.
From the collection of:
Overview
Amateur filmmaker and Pulham Market resident Pauline Webb captures all the fun and games of the May Day celebrations in her village in 1979. The children of the village keep with the tradition of Maypole dancing, meanwhile at a far less gentle pace the adults compete, racing through the activities of an obstacle course, enjoy a penalty shoot-out, and tug o’ war match, before taking on the challenges of a wet welly race and egg-catching competition.
Related
Watch for free
Jubilee Jubilee
Amateur film 1977 11 mins Silent Location: Pulham Market
Pancake tossing around the village green, slow bicycle races, five-a-side football, obstacle courses, relay races, and British Bulldogs.
Watch for free
Stage Coach Stage Coach
Amateur film 1977 2 mins Silent Location: Pulham Market
Not your typical pub punter! The passengers of a Victorian mail coach stop for refreshments at Pulham Market’s Crown Inn.
Watch for free
Pulham Market Village Sign Pulham Market Village Sign
Amateur film 1979 3 mins Silent Location: Pulham Market
In good spirits Pulham Market villagers gather at the village green to watch the guest clergyman who struggles to unveil the new village sign.
Watch for free
Pulham Market Carnival - Countries Pulham Market Carnival - Countries
Consumer programme 1975 5 mins Silent Location: Pulham Market
A south Norfolk village comes alive with a colourful carnival procession of floats. Recorded in 1975 by Clacton Cine Club member Pauline Webb.
Watch for free
Anglia Reports - Rural Life Anglia Reports - Rural Life
Factual TV 1981 22 mins Location: Kenton
Villages are not just picture postcards – they are real communities with real issues. TV report on the DIY community action in East Anglia.
Watch for free
Pulham Market Carnival 1976 - Shows of Screen and Stage Pulham Market Carnival 1976 - Shows of Screen and Stage
Amateur film 1976 16 mins Silent Location: Pulham Market
Rather impressively, Pulham Market Carnival-goers dress up for the year’s theme, ‘Shows of Screen or Stage’. Can you guess who’s who?
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.