The Seaside Reopens - 1946 | The Archivist Presents | #300

I went to the seaside for the first time in 18 months this weekend and it was buzzing. Must have felt a bit like this at the end of the second World War. Here’s a lovely film about seaside towns opening up again from 1946. The anti-invasion defences are being removed around Britain, as at Southend, ready to return to their pre-war gaiety. KS Pan of front. Tracking shot of Southend front, looking out to sea, past pier. Workmen use pneumatic drills to clear anti-invasion tank traps. Men re-painting shop fronts. Trying machinery of various amusements at pleasure park - Kursaal. Re-painting diving board of swimming pool. Scrapping and using blow lamp on kiosk to get old paint off. LIBRARY - Pre-war material. Crowds walk through streets of Southend. Girls serve ice cream cornets to people. Various shots of scenic railway, including camera on same. Person eating cockles. Old lady on deck-chair asleep. Various crowd shots on beaches, also crowds swimming in sea. Find out more about AP Archive: