CONGRATULATIONS to the organisers of the 'Barry in Wartime' event which took place on Barry Island last weekend. No doubt for many who attended, the highlight was the flypast by the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Given the large number of visitors who congregated around the sea front, I was surprised to see how few static displays areas there were to visit. Hood Road may have had its advantages in that visitors could travel in by train from the island station, but with focus of activities on the seafront, I thought this may have been a better location? Another aspect of the event noted was the apparent absence of coaches, many of whom are operated by coach operators who have this season remained loyal to Barry Island by bring in large numbers of their customers from The Midlands.
What the event organisers of 'Barry in Wartime' have demonstrated is that themed events have potential to draw people onto Barry Island, and while the debate continues about regeneration and what attractions should be developed on the Island, perhaps there is opportunity to work on development of a programme of attractive events and potential to retain existing support from the public, coach operators and group travel organisers who have shown their support for continuance of Barry Island as a seaside resort.
Ian Thomas
Rhiwbina
Cardiff
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