EVENTS that proved hot on resident and visitor appreciation scales could be set to return the Vale, thanks to funding approved by decision-makers on Monday (February 10).

Vale Council cabinet members approved a list of £125,000-plus worth of events for the forthcoming financial year which include Christmas festivities, Barry Island Weekenders, the Vale of Glamorgan Show and Penarth Summer and Book Festivals and the Transport Festival as well as the hugely popular firework displays.

Up to £10,000 has been set aside for First World War commemoration events – beginning early August this year.

The report, put before cabinet, said the annual Barry Tall Ship Festival had come to a natural end in early 2013 and the budget for the festival was used for the development of a new summer season event at Barry Island.

It said: “A new Barry Island Weekenders Summer Programme was created, which for the first time, featured two evening events, namely The Isle of Fire (opening event) and the Cinema by the Sea.

“Both these events attracted approx 5,000 visitors per weekend.

“The new programme received very positive feedback from residents, traders and visitors, with many visitors attending from outside of the Vale and Wales. The evening events encouraged visitors to stay longer, boosting the night time economy on Barry Island.”