BFI

This compilation of views of the Pageant to raise funds for Crewe Cottage Hospital shows the highly polished performances and fancy costumes of various groups of railway workers. These groups were organised into 'sheds' and each would compete to put on the most elaborate performance or costumes in the parade.

A popular theme of that year was American dance, largely performed in blackface, including the cake-walk and other styles deriving from the minstrel tradition. Other very elaborate presentations included stilt walkers and sword-wielding duellists. The troupes shown in the film were the day's prize winners, so we know that the film was edited from longer footage taken by Mitchell and Kenyon's cameramen.

Bryony Dixon

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