These photographs were all in an envelope dated 30 October 1951, however I know that can't be correct as they show the Festival of Britain, which ran between 4 May - 30 September that year. Looking at the trees and what people are wearing, I'd say it probably is September.

The photos show a family trip to visit the Festival on London's South Bank - albeit one that nearly didn't happen after their car broke down on the way. Thankfully, having a mechanic at the wheel and another called for help, the car was fixed at the roadside and they went on their way. The family is my grandparents - Bob and Phyllis, with sons Colin (my dad), and David.

Dad, the older boy in the first photo, remembers this day, saying the car problem was "the gearbox or prop shaft, or something like that".

At the Festival, some of the things they saw included an Indian Government Railways steam locomotive, and Skylon, the iconic metal structure that gave the illusion of floating above the riverbank.

Today, the 1977 Silver Jubilee guidepost on the path near the 'Jubiloos' marks the approximate location of where Skylon stood.

#JackAndMaryArchive #FestivalOfBritain #SouthBank #FestivalHall #London #Ford #FordModelY #OldCars