Calls for 'Gavin and Stacey Week' in Barry

Monday, 1 September 2025 17:21

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

BBC / Toffee International Ltd. / Tom Jackson

Local historians have suggested organising a 'Gavin and Stacey' week as part of a £20 million regeneration scheme for Barry.

The town's war museum and heritage centre is putting forward seven ideas in a new report, aimed at creating a better future for the town.

Nearly 20 million viewers tuned into the final episode on Christmas Day last year, which earned a BAFTA for co-creator Ruth Jones.

The '7up!' report includes ideas for events celebrating the BBC sitcom, including a conference with sessions on "how to speak like Nessa" and the backstory behind the series.

It also suggests marking "uncelebrated anniversaries" such as the opening of the former Butlins camp at Barry Island in 1966, the inauguration of the town's docks in 1889 and St Baruc's Day on September 27th.

The Barry War Museum and Heritage Centre is also backing calls to name a part of the town's waterfront after investigative journalist Gareth Jones.

Museum chairman John Buxton said: "An even better future awaits Barry - by working together."

"We harness the passion of our community to tell its story. The museum is an exemplar of community self-help to hopefully inspire others in transforming Barry's future."

The UK Government has pledged £2 million a year for the next decade as part of the Barry Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative, which is being led by former Admiral Group chief executive David Stevens.

Last month, local residents were invited to join action groups to help decide how the funding will be spent, with the focus on projects designed to leave a long-term positive impact.

The report also puts forward ideas for a 'pocket museum' telling the story of Barry in 50 objects, as well as extending its 'human library' of film interviews with local people sharing their memories.

In keeping with its own work, the museum - based at Barry Island railway station - has also called for new education resources for its evacuees experience for school visitors.

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