High hopes for tall ship's visit (From Barry And District News)

High hopes for tall ship's visit

BARRY Waterfront is going to be a hive of activity when Stavros comes to town. To celebrate the arrival of tall ship Stavros S Niarchos, at noon, on Thursday, September 12, the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Farmers' Market, Grosvenor Waterside and the Sail Training Association, are hoping for a weekend to remember.

Cliff Nelson from the Vale council said: "This whole event has come together very quickly. The council was approached by the Sail Training Association in mid-July.

"At the same time, the Goods Shed in Hood Road had been refurbished, and needed to be officially opened, and the Farmers' Market wanted to be reintroduced to Barry. It seemed perfect to organise one big event."

On Friday, September 13, there will be a Farmers' Market with over 100 stalls selling food and craft. TV cook Angela Grey demonstrates Welsh cooking at the Goods Shed, and there will be free guided tours around the tall ship from noon to 5pm.

The Vale of Glamorgan Steam Railway will be making special trips, and there is a vintage bus going from Hood Road to the Waterside.

Saturday, September 14, will see Stavros sail from a specially built berthing structure, provided by Grosvenor Waterside, at 10.30am, and return at 2.30pm.

The Farmers' Market will back on Hood Road with street entertainers.

Working with just 10 percent of the budget for the RNLI celebrations, Cliff hopes to encourage investors. "It won't be anywhere as huge as the RNLI weekend, but will show Barry can put something together every year.

We're hoping for kind weather and people to show their support. Everyone has worked hard and it promises to be a great weekend."