| AdminHistory | The Festival of Britain Committee was formed in 31 March 1950 to consider the financial arrangements and organisations of events in Birmingham to mark the nationwide celebrations to mark the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851 during May and September 1951.
The celebrations themselves cost around £21,000 and were far more encompassing than previous Council celebrations. The proposals included a Festival of British Music during the period 30 September to 6 October 1951, a Festival of Drama at the new theatre the following June, and a folk dance festival to be held at Central Hall the same month. Athletics and physical training demonstrations were also organised in conjunction with numerous local groups and organisations. An exhibition was also scheduled to illustrate the contribution of Birmingham's specialised trades in the building recently acquired by the city's Museum and Art Gallery Committee for the purposes of a Museum of Science and Industry, with the necessary refurbishment and conversion to be undertaken with the approval of the City Council. The committee also organised public parades, fireworks displays, the illumination and decoration of the city streets and public buildings, sports matches, and authorised and produced any suitable publicity, souvenirs and gifts.
The Festival of Britain Committee only appears to have met three times prior to the festival during March and December 1950. The committee met one last time on 30 October 1951 to wrap up any necessary business and other matters following the conclusion of the festivities, and to consider the reports of its affiliated sub-committees, after which the committee and its sub-committees were disbanded. |