Out And About in the Vale This Summer
ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE VALE THIS SUMMER
With Summer here at last and hopefully with weather to match, there is plenty going on in the Vale, just some of which feature below. As ever, there will be something musical, sporting, cultural or perhaps with an historical bent to tempt you from the garden.
If it’s culture you’re looking for check out the latest offering at Dyffryn Gardens. Our local National Trust property is hosting an exhibition based on the very popular BBC drama ‘The Other Bennet Sister’. The exhibition focuses on the costumes created by Sian Jenkins and worn by the cast of the show including Ella Bruccoleri, Ruth Jones and Indira Varma. The stunning display of elaborate period costumes brings the world of the Bennet sisters vividly to life. Alongside, you’ll find the accessories that complete each look – many worn in the scenes filmed in Dyffryn House. While there, you can also explore parts of Dyffryn House re-opened after a spell of conservation work. This includes the Morning Room, Red Drawing Room and Blue Drawing Room. Here you can learn more about Dyffryn’s history, behind-the-scenes photography and how filming supports the work of the National Trust. Normal admission charges apply but the event is free. The venue and the exhibition is open Fridays to Mondays, 12 – 3pm until 31 August.
Providing an altogether different experience the annual GlastonBARRY live music tribute festival returns to Romilly Park, Barry this July! This year features 22 tribute acts covering the likes of Coldplay, Pink, the Foo Fighters, Queen and Tina Turner. There will be two stages used over two days, on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July, between 11am and 9pm.
If food is your thing, you may be tempted by this year’s Fantastic Fete at St Donat’s
Castle. The fete will be held in the grounds over two consecutive summer-holiday weekends (July 31st/August 9th). The grounds will be filled with family fun, including silly games, curious competitions and roaming entertainment. Alongside will be an array of the best street food from across the globe. Street Food Circus traders include the return of Hang Fire BBQ and SFC debutants Mama Lala Sichuan street food, along with regulars such as Two Lads Afghan Street Food, The Dough Thrower, The Bone Cartel, Mar y Fuego, The Queen Pepiada, Pasta a Mano and Burger Bros with sweet options from Paletas Mexican-style ice lollies and Drizzle desserts.
If you’re feeling energetic why not join one of the Glamorgan History Walks delivered by local historian and broadcaster Graham Loveluck-Edwards? The walks aim to bring history to life as you travel through the places where significant events happened. Examples are a walk around Cowbridge on Thursday 9th July (8pm) and Dunraven, St Brides and Ogmore on Saturday 18th July (10am). Walks cost £10 per person. You can find out more by visiting the website: https://grahamloveluckedwards.com/
Finally, The Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show returns on Wednesday 12 August. Now the biggest one-day event in the Vale of Glamorgan, the show attracts more than 20,000 visitors to The Showground, Penllyn, Cowbridge – every year. As usual there will be over 200 trade stands, livestock displays, crafts, local food, and thrilling competitions. With gates open from 8am to 7pm there will be plenty of time to explore. Free on-site parking will be available as is forward parking for Blue Badge Holders. Dogs are allowed on a short lead, but predictably not permitted in the livestock areas or marquees.