Barry Dock RNLI has launched a series of events as part of its 125th anniversary year celebrations.
The life-saving charity is inviting supporters to a gala dinner this summer, bringing together the local community for an evening of fundraising and celebration.
The black-tie event will take place on Friday 17 July 2026 at Bradenstoke Hall, St Donat’s Castle, featuring a four-course dinner, live entertainment, including an award-winning band and a magician, alongside a raffle and auction, with carriages at midnight.
The choice of venue holds particular significance for the RNLI. St Donat’s is home to Atlantic College, where students developed the original rigid inflatable boat (RIB) design that went on to become the RNLI’s Atlantic class lifeboat, a vital part of the charity’s inshore rescue fleet. In an incredible act of generosity, the design was passed to the RNLI for just £1, a cheque that was never cashed.
Holding the gala dinner at St Donat’s Castle is therefore a fitting way to recognise this shared heritage, linking innovation, generosity and lifesaving impact across generations.
Olivia Harrison, Chair of Barry Dock RNLI, said: “Our 125th anniversary is a chance to reflect on the incredible dedication of our volunteers, past and present and the support we receive from our community.”
“Hosting this gala at St Donat’s, where the Atlantic lifeboat story began, makes it especially meaningful. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate our history and help support our lifesaving work into the future.”
Tickets for the gala dinner are priced at £75, with all proceeds supporting the lifesaving work of Barry Dock RNLI and available from Avril Kitchen via email at kitchenavril@gmail.com
The gala is just one part of a wider programme of anniversary events taking place across Barry throughout the year, with a range of activities planned to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved.
The first of these will be a quiz night at Craft Republic, Barry, on 22 April, with further details to be shared soon. To book onto the quiz, visit https://www.wearecraftrepublic.co.uk/events

Former Holm View Leisure Centre could become education and community hub
ScoutsCymru members represent Wales at Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance
Plans for indoor market at former Barry Wilko move forward
Police given additional powers to deal with anti-social behaviour in Barry
Senedd passes supplementary budget with £60m boost for additional learning needs
Future of planned festive events in question after criminal damage to Barry Town Hall
Consultation to open on plans for 35MW solar farm near Penarth
No Trains through the Vale of Glamorgan this Sunday
Police and Cardiff City launch operation to tackle matchday anti-social behaviour
Free leaf and fallen fruit collections return in the Vale
Barry retains Fairtrade Town status until 2029
£1m improvements planned for Pencoedtre Park as splashpad work set to begin
Plan submitted for new independent school on site of well-known charity farm
Is your hot water bottle safe?
Solicitor sentenced for defrauding Cancer Research UK
Cate is crowned champion!
WATCH: Winner of The Voice UK Cate McHugh duets with Sir Tom Jones
Barry filmmaker takes her documentary to the big screen in New York
Pupils leave their mark on new school at steel signing event
£3m refurbishment plans revealed for Cowbridge Town Hall