Digital Film Archive

DescriptionDate
thumbnailBoy's Auxiliary Camp, Castlerock

Amateur footage of sporting scenes at Castlerock including a 12th July parade.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Christmas 1973

Scenes from the Kernaghan family of a Co Down Chistmas during the 1970s with scenes of children playing in the snow and waking up to open their presents. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The Kernaghan Family Christmas' and sections of it were also used in the Super 8 Stories Christmas Special.
1973
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: There's a Jinx in the Minx

Short film by Stanley Matchett of his children being menaced by a Dalek drom the television series, 'Doctor Who'. Elelments from this film were used in the opening credits of 'Super 8 Stories' Series 2, Programme 1 in which Stanley's story of holidays in Spain featured.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Arctic Antics

During the Big Freeze of 1963 not everything came to a halt and one hardy bunch of cylcists endured the extreme conditions to have fun in the winter landscape. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'Winter Fun in the Big Freeze'.
1963
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Short Strand Street Scenes

Footage from the 1960s shot among the terraced streets of the Short Strand in East Belfast and featuring children playing in the streets and housewives gathering for a chat. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Short Strand'.
1969
thumbnailOpening of the Celtic Carnival By The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Belfast

Opening of Celtic Carnival by the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sir William Turner, June 12th, 1925.
1925
thumbnailWest Belfast Childrens' Annual Outing to Portrush and Newcastle

'West Belfast Childrens' Annual Outing to Portrush 25th and 26th July 1932. These day trips were organised by Joseph Devlin, MP for Fermanagh and Tyrone and leader of the Nationalist Party.
1932
thumbnailWeek-End Escape

Amateur film from the 1930s shot by Wilfred Capper showing the activities of a group from the Youth Hostel Association of Northern Ireland.
1939
thumbnailPicnic From Portaferry

Amateur film of an outing from Portaferry across Strangford Lough.
1995
thumbnailIce skating

Amateur film of people ice skating shot by Wilfred Capper.
1938
thumbnailUlster Mirror. Programme 26

A locally made fortnightly magazine programme. This episode includes the Monte Carlo rally, a cross country race, the opening of Stormont and construction work at Queens University.
1956
thumbnailThe Day We Went To Bangor

An affectionate, nostalgic, look at the seaside town of Bangor and surroundings.
1999
thumbnailCircus in Derry

Amateur film of Chipperfield's Circus coming to Derry.
1959
thumbnailLit By Love and Sunshine

This archive compilation looks at the Antrim town of Ballycastle through amateur film from the 1950s and 1960s.
1994
thumbnailCharlie's Last Film Show

TV documentary on amateur filmmaker, Charlie McAfee, from Ballymoney, who recorded scenes of everyday life in around the area from the 1950s to the 1980s.
1997
thumbnailRathlin Island

Amateur film from the 1950s shot by Wilfred Capper showing life and activities on Rathlin Island off the Antrim coast.
1959
thumbnailJames Boyce. Beardgrowers

James Boyce at Methody College observing a beardgrowing competition for Oxfam famine relief.
1964
thumbnailUlster Way

The Ulster Way is a series of signposted walks covering 450 miles of Northern Ireland.
1975
thumbnailFit-Ups

A documentary looking at the disappearing life of travelling players, featuring the Courtney Brothers' drama and variety show.
1969
thumbnailFrank Carson

A young Frank Carson singing a song about a donkey.
1969
thumbnailJ. G. Devlin interviewed

J.G. Devlin interviewed in a pub about theatre in Belfast.
1969
thumbnailJames Boyce. Our Roving Reporter

James Boyce was a well known figure on television in the 1960s, specialising in quirky items. This programme features nine items - Fairy tree at Annacloy, a dog cemetery, Downpatrick jail, a straw wedding in Fermanagh, the Belleek Hotel, the railway station at Fivemiletown, Castlewellan Castle, Botanic loo and cycling with Sally.
1969
thumbnailJames Young interviewed

An interview with James Young.
1969
thumbnailTommy Makem

Tommy Makem singing.
1969
thumbnailUlster scenes

Amateur silent footage featuring horse racing, motorbike racing (01:05), scenes in Bangor, the Giants Causeway, fishing and pony trekking.
1969
thumbnailStockton's Fling, Part 1

A programme in which retired reporter Norman Stockton looks into the film archives at UTV.
1969
thumbnailStockton's Fling, Part 2

A programme where retired reporter Norman Stockton looks into the film archives at UTV.
1969
thumbnailThe Hobby Horse Man

When this film was made Mickey Marley had been entertaining children for nearly 30 years. His roundabout is now housed in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
1973
thumbnailThe Gig in the Round

Hosted by Paul Brady and Andy Irvine and featuring Liam O'Flynn and Tommy Peoples
1977
thumbnailThe Gig in the Round

Presented by Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, featuring The Bothy Band.
1977
thumbnailDerek Murray examining the decline in Belfast cinemas

A programme looking at the decline in Belfast cinemas. Featured are the Curzon, Tonic, Strand and Playhouse.
1979
thumbnailSeamus Heaney awarded Nobel Prize for Literature

Northern Ireland poet Seamus Heaney was awarded the coveted Nobel Prize for Literature on 12 November, 1995.
1995
thumbnailPickie Pool, Bangor

This photograph is part of the Green Collection at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Pickie Pool was a favourite swimming spot among visitors to the seaside resort town of Bangor. (© National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum)
2005
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Exiles Beatband

Teddy Palmer from The Exiles beatband of the 1960s reminisces about his early career playing rock and roll at small venues with footage of one of his performances and contributions from one of his fans, Carol Menown. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Lough Erne Escape

With their Belfast city centre shop being caught up in the bombing of the early Troubles, Paddy and Margaret Brand escape at the weekends to find fun and leisure in the lakelands of Fermanagh. The footage includes scenes of them waterskiing and enjoying outdoor parties by the waterside as an antidote to the stressful times back in Belfast. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Kernaghan Family

At a time when many people were leaving Northern Ireland due to the turbulence of the early Troubles, Englishman, Bill Kernaghan, decided to make his home here. He talks with his son, Mike, about their decision as well as their leisure time spent on the North Down coast. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 2 of Super 8 Stories.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Undertones

Seminal punk band The Undertones are remembered by fan, Linus McLaughlin, and Martin Bradley, a brother of a band member, with footage of them making their first appearance on Top of the Pops and performing at the Rocking Chair bar in Londonderry in 1978. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 3 of Super 8 Stories.
1978
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Sixties in Armagh

Cathal McSherry recounts his days of growing up, partying and following the showbands in County Armagh with added memories his wife, Marie and band member, Simon Scott. As well as footage of showbands in concert there are scenes of Cathal's family life as he gets married and settles down. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The McKnight Family Christmas

Gordon McKnight and his daughter, Deirdre McCloy, remember family Christmases during the 1960s with shots of Belfast shops and putting up decorations around the house, as well as opening the presents on Christmas Day. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Kernaghan Family Christmas

Bill Kernaghan and his son, Mike, share their memories of Chistmas during the 1970s with scenes of children playing in the snow and waking up to open their presents. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Spanish Holidays

Stanley Matchett and his two daughters, Karen Emerson and Joanne Watson, remember their holidays in the early 1970s - a time when people from Northern Ireland were beginning to forsake holidays at home and branch out to new destinations such as Spain. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Winter Fun in the Big Freeze

During the Big Freeze of 1963 not everything came to a halt and one hardy bunch of cylcists endured the extreme conditions to have fun in the winter landscape. Billy McCormick and Paddy McAteer look back at their antics on frozen ponds and cycling into snowdrifts. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.
1963
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Short Strand

The strong sense of community felt in the terraced streets of Belfast's Short Strand area in the 1960s is recalled by residents Maureen Bell and Margaret Lawler, with footage of children playing games in the street and of living room parties. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Carpetbaggers

Richard Morrow began film-making as a young boy in Bangor during the 1950s. Here, he guides us on a journey from boyhood to fatherhood including footage of his band, The Carpetbaggers, heading to London to seek their fortune during the 1960s and finishing with scenes from his family life during the 1970s. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Farewell Voyage of the Queen Mary

Travel agent Richard Bryson and his wife Sophy tell us the story of how they came to be on the final transatlantic passenger service of the Queen Mary liner as it sailed to New York and back again for the last time with scenes from their stay in 1960s New York. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 2 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Fossett's Circus

Eddie Fossett recalls the glory days of the travelling circus with the help of two of the performers who worked in his family show and archive footage of the circus visiting Ballycastle in the 1950s and Belfast in the 1970s. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 1 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Life in Donaghadee

Local chemist, Bertie McKnight, filmed his home town of Donaghadee every year during the 50s and 60s. His son, Terrance, shares some of the memories of his father's films along with many of the locals people who featured in them. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 1 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Family Life in Londonderry

Brothers, Peter and Raymond Davidson, recall their experiences of growing up in Londonderry during the 1960s with footage showing their journey from children and days out at Barry's Amusements in Portrush to fatherhood and the dark spectre of the Troubles during the 1970s. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 2 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Portadown Couples

Two couples from Portadown (Jim and Georgie Lyttle and Rodney and Pamela Lynas) recall their memories of getting married in the 1960s and starting families with fun footage of their days out together. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 3 of Super 8 Stories.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Growing Up in Rathcoole

Growing up on the huge housing estate of Rathcoole in Belfast during the 1970s is recalled by Eddie Campbell and by boy film-maker Michael McAdam. Resplendent in 70s fashion and Chopper bicycles, the footage is lively and fun and features the children of the estate hard at play, filmed by themselves. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 3 of Super 8 Stories.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: BB Trip to the Isle of Man

In the harsh world of post-war Belfast, with rationing stretching into the 1950s, the Boy's Brigade offered a welcome chance for local working class boys to escape to, what seemed like then, the far-off shores of the Isle of Man on a summer camp. Ex-members Ernie Whitte, Bob Torrens and Joe Culbert share their experiences of these trips. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: West Belfast Youth Club

It may have seemed as though West Belfast was a dark place during the Troubles in the 1970s, but the children found a light in the shape of the Youth Club run by the St Agnes Church. Gabriel Davey shares his memories of running the club and filming its activites for posterity, while Marann Gourey and Billy Macklin remember the joy of attending it. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 4 of Super 8 Stories.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: The Exiles in Concert

Footage taken of fans arriving at the door to see The Exiles at CIYMS in Belfast and actual concert footage of the event. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The Exiles Beat Band'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Waterskiing on Lough Erne

Scenes of pleasure cruising on Lough Erne and partying by the shore during the 1970s as well as waterskiing footage taken from the back of the boat and the formation of human pyramids while waterskiing. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Lough Erne Escape'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: The Undertones at the Rocking Chair Bar, Derry

Footage of seminal punk band, The Undertones, performing at the Rocking Chair bar in Londonderry in 1978 the night after their first appearance on Top of the Pops. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The Undertones'.
1978
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Street Scenes in Keady

Lighthearted footage of Cahal McSherry and his friends enjoying themselves in the streets of Keady, Co Armagh and in the local vicinity. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Sixties in Armagh'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: A Child's Christmas

Short film by Gordon McKnight of a 1960s family Christmas with shots of Belfast shops and putting up decorations around the house, as well as opening the presents on Christmas Day. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The McKnight Family at Christmas' and sections of it were also used in the Super 8 Stories Christmas Special.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Go Kart Racing in May's Meadow, Belfast

Footage taken by schoolboy, Richard Morrow, of a visit to go-kart racing at May's Meadow in Belfast on land now occupied by the Laganside development. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Carpetbaggers'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Journey to New York on the Queen Mary

Footage shot by a Belfast couple of the final transatlantic passenger service of the Queen Mary liner as it sailed to New York and back again for the last time with scenes from their stay in 1960s New York. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'Farewell Voyage of the Queen Mary'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: A Day in the Park in Portadown

A relaxing Sunday day out in a Portadown park during the 1960s as two couples go for a stroll with their young children and perform comedy routines for the camera. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Portadown Couples'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Children Playing in Rathcoole Housing Estate

Footage shot in Rathcoole Housing Estate during the 1970s. Resplendent in 70s fashion and Chopper bicycles, the footage is lively and fun and features the children of the estate hard at play, filmed by themselves. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Growing Up in Rathcoole'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Family Holiday in Portrush

Footage shot along the beach and at some children's amusements on a family trip to Portrush during the 1970s. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Memories of Mum'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Belfast Docks and Journey to the Isle of Man

In the harsh world of post-war Belfast, with rationing stretching into the 1950s, the Boy's Brigade offered a welcome chance for local working class boys to escape to, what seemed like then, the far-off shores of the Isle of Man on a summer camp. As well as the record of the camp on the Isle of Man the footage includes scenes shot in Belfast docks of them leaving as well as their return home. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'BB Trip to the Isle of Man'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: St Agnes Youth Club Activities and Prize Giving

It may have seemed as though West Belfast was a dark place during the Troubles in the 1970s, but the children found a light in the shape of the Youth Club run by the St Agnes Church. This footage contains a selection of different sports activities as well as the annual prize giving ceremony. Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'West Belfast Youth Club'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Lammas Fair

The Lammas Fair in Ballycastle is an important tradition in the Northern Ireland calender and much-loved to this day. With the help of several amateur film-makers, and interviews with some of the children who attended it annually, we are able to look back on the hey-day of the fair during the 1950s and 60s with its traditions of farming markets, fun rides, Yellow Man sweets and dulce seeweed. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Carney Hill to Bangor

Famed amateur film-maker Gordon McKnight takes us behind the scenes of his life as an architect and also on a journey from his home in Carney Hill to nearby Bangor. Gordon shot this film at a slower frame rate on his camera so that it would appear speeded up when played back at normal speed on his projector. The result is a lively whizz along the route to Bangor from an era before the busy dual carriageways when it was all country roads with very little traffic - a moment in time captured on film which has subsequently changed beyond all recognition. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Back Garden Train Line

Local train enthusiast, Billy McCormick, tells the story of his dream to operate a train line with fully working steam engine in his back garden off the Kings Road in Belfast. With Billy's own footage of the events we follow the story as he and his friends labour to build the track and restore the engine. When Billy decided to move house he donated the train to Shane's Castle and footage of the train in operation there together with contributions from Lord O'Neill complete the story. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 1 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Self Build House

We follow the story of the Urey's, a young married couple from Ballywalter, who are given an old wreck of a house by a relative. We journey through their home movies of living in a caravan on the site and of bringing up their young family as they labour year by year to finally succeed in turning the derelict building into their family home. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Canadian Holiday

Ben Marshall was a shipyard worker from Ballybeen in East Belfast when he decided to buy a cine camera to record his young family growing up. Here, Ben and his wife Edna share their memories of the early 1970s and of their trip of a lifetime as they went on holiday to Canada. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1973
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Murphy Family

The Murphy family from Derry had taken the life-changing decision to emigrate to New York when they grew homesick for their roots and decided to return to Northern Ireland to raise their family, despite the shadow of the Troubles hanging over the country. Combined with their amateur film footage they tell their story of the return to Derry and of summers spent holidaying in Donegal. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 2 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1973
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The McBride Family

Columb McBride and his two sisters, Mary Browne and Angela Blair, remember their father Charlie's passion for 8mm home movies. Living in Belfast most of the year, the family would pack up and head for Ballycastle each summer and remain there until it was time for the children to return to school. From the 1950s onwards Charlie kept filming throughout his life and in the 1970s he took his camera with him as he embarked on a trip of a lifetime to San Francisco. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 3 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: USA Road Trip

Newlyweds Geoff and Irene Hewitt bravely decided to take time out from their lives in Northern Ireland during the 1980s and tour the world on motorbike. They managed to record on film the American leg of this tour as they rode through Monument Valley, the streets of San Francisco and stopped off to admire the view of the Grand Canyon. Geoff and Irene both share their memories of this life-changing experience and of their ultimate return to Northern Ireland to begin a family. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 4 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1988
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: Cullybackey Scouts

Join one of the leaders and some of the ex-Scouts from the Cullybackey Scout Group as they remember their time in the boy's club from the 1970s. Camping and outdoor activities abound in the amateur footage from their annual scout trips back in an age when outdoor pursuits still reigned before the advent games consoles. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 4 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1979
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories: The Blaney Family

Dr Roger Blaney spent many years filming his young family growing up and their footage now stands as an endearing reminder of family life in Northern Ireland during the 1960s and 70s. He is joined by his wife Brenda and daughter Ruth as they share their memories of what family life meant to them. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 4 of 'Super 8 Stories'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Fossett's Circus Visits Ballycastle

1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Donaghadee Yearly Film Magazine 1957

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Life in Donaghadee'.
1957
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: At the Bottom of Our Garden

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Back Garden Train Line'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: My Fair Lady

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Lammas Fair'.
1969
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Lammas Fair at Ballycastle

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The Lammas Fair'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Carney Hill to Bangor in Three Minutes

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Carney Hill to Bangor'.
1959
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: Fishing in Enniskillen

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'Canadian Holiday'.
1973
thumbnailSuper 8 Stories Extra Footage: A Day Trip from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island

Sections of this footage were included in the Super 8 Story, 'The McBride Family'.
1959

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