The Victorian Barry Experience put on its annual Hallowe'en event at Barry bar the Craft Republic.

The sold-out event at the Goodshed’s heard stories about UFO sightings in the 1950s from Redbrink Crescent on Barry Island, and about the coven of witches who used to meet on Cadoxton Common, amongst others. 

Nic Hodges was dressed as ‘The Barry Vampyre’ and told strange stories about the town’s history. 

Modern Barry’s history began nearly 140 years ago when work began on the construction of Barry Docks in 1884, and, in that time, many weird and wonderful things have happened in the town. 

Barry Town Mayor, Cllr Ian Johnson, said: “As you would expect for a Halloween event, we heard a collection of stories about the strange and unusual things which have happened in Barry since the modern town began in 1884. 

“Nic Hodges brought the tales to life, dressed as ‘the Barry Vampyre’, an undead character who has seen the town develop over the past 140 years.”

The Victorian Barry Experience organised free walking tours in Barry, as well as sharing historic photos of the old town.

The walking tours focused on the Barry Docks area around Holton Road, and the development of the new town on High Street and Broad Street.

It also focused on Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery, including the 1919 Barry Race Riots. 

Cllr Johnson added: “In that way, we heard about some of the unexplained and inexplicable things which took place in the town, such as UFO sightings, whilst also hearing about progress and change, reducing illness and diseases to stop child deaths. 

“We also heard about the tragedy and mystery of the sinking of the Lusitania trans-Atlantic cruise liner, one of whose passengers is buried in a grave at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery.” 

 The Victorian Barry Experience can be found online on Facebook and Instagram.