The Skylon lighting up the night sky. Some said it was like the British economy "No visible means of support"

The Saunders-Roe A1 jet flying boat heading down river to be an exhibit at the festival.

Visitors could watch the new 3D film, with their special glasses.

Queen Mary, touring the festival with her grandchildren, Prince Michael of Kent and Prince William of Gloucester. The Queen was not impressed. She found most of the exhibits 'really extraordinary and very ugly'. I bet she didn't pay either.

Workers putting the finishing touches to the fabulous Skylon.

In the May sunshine, crowds assemble to view the Dome of Discovery

"John Phebey, a construction worker on the Festival of Britain site, spoke to the nation from his Bermondsey home immediately before the King's 1950 Christmas broadcast"