In the summer of 1951, York residents celebrated the Festival Of Britain.

After the devastation of war and years of austerity, the Festival aimed to raise the nation's spirits whilst promoting the very best in British art, design and industry.

A fancy dress Georgian ball, at Knavesmire, was at the centre of the celebrations and was attended by many well-known local residents including Bert Keech, who was a Conservative councillor for Bootham and an international bowler. Other events around the city included concerts, plays and displays of art and architecture.

A picturesque stream of boats adorned with lights and flags floated down the Ouse through the centre of York by night.

Morris dancers entertained the crowds with a performance of Lads a'buncham, and people gathered to see soldiers proudly marching in formation at Micklegate Bar.

The first performance of the York Mystery Plays since Tudor times took place in the ruins of St Mary's Abbey. However, a prohibition on the representation of God or Christ still existed in England, so the name of the professional actor hired to play Jesus for the 1951 production was kept secret. The Dean of York also maintained a ban on the giving of the Sacrament of the Last Supper. Still, the tremendous interest that the Plays inspired - locally, nationally and internationally - created a new tradition that continued every three or four years. They were last performed in 2000 in the Minster.

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Updated: 12:34 Friday, January 10, 2003