Barry Island travelling showman features in TV programme (From Barry And District News)

Barry Island travelling showman features in TV programme

4:40pm Sunday 23rd September 2012 in News By Sharon Harris

A BARRY Island showman is proving the show must go on - despite Wales' washout summer - in a television series which is on screen until next month.

Fourth generation travelling showman Vernon Studt, who is responsible for some of the rides at Barry Island Pleasure Park, said A Summer In Wales production staff had approached him at Easter with a view to including the park in a montage of scenarios from Wales during the holiday season.

54-year-old Vernon said business had been hit particularly badly by the weather this year.

"It's been 32 years since my father died and it's the worst summer weather I have ever known," he said.

"We lost Bank holidays. May Day I didn't even open the gates because it was raining that bad and in August I didn't open the gates again.

"But it's not just Barry Island - it's all over the country.

"All being well I hope to try again with (site owner) Ian Rogers' permission," he added.

"When the sun shines Barry Island is such a nice place - it's famous!"

A Summer In Wales can be seen on BBC1 Wales at 7.30pm on Monday and Friday until October 5.

The programme can also be viewed on BBC iPlayer for seven days following broadcast.