Barry Town Council is celebrating 50 years as a local authority.

The council's golden anniversary, has the official date of April 1, 2024, which marks a half-century since the authority was instituted under The Local Government Act 1972.

The present incarnation of the council was born from the Barry Municipal Borough Council, itself a reformed version of the Barry Urban District Council set up in 1894.

Barry Urban District Council was spread across Barry, Cadoxton-juxta-Barry, Merthyr Dyfan, and sections of Penmark, Porthkerry and Sully.

The council’s offices were situated in the purpose-built town hall on King Square, a prior Quarry site repurposed in time.

1939 was an important year in local history when the Coat of Arms was bestowed upon Barry Municipal Borough Council, which later became Barry Town Council.

The Coat of Arms honours the families and history consequential to the town's progress.

With elements referencing the de Barri family, Lord Davies of Llandinam and the red dragon of Wales, the design narrates local lore, identity and heritage.

Additionally, it comprises a ship amidst azure and silver waves and black diamonds insinuating Barry's coal trades, all supported by the Earl of Plymouth's silver unicorns.

The emblem rests on a base half sand, half waves embodying Barry’s coast. It also has the motto; Cadernid, Cyfiawnder, Cynnydd translating to Stability, Justice, Progress.

Apart from preserving local traditions, Barry Town Council holds a major role in the operations of the Welsh town.

As the largest town council in Wales, it comprises 22 elected members and 28 staff.

From handling burial services to managing community centres and green spaces, the council engages in a range of responsibilities to serve its constituents.

Every year, the council elects a town mayor, a position that started with Councillor Frederick Cook in 1974, and is currently held by Councillor Ian Johnson.

As part of the golden jubilee celebrations in 2024, an array of events, story sharing sessions, grant announcements and projections for the council's future are in the offering.

These include a multitude of celebrations, such as D-Day 80 in June, a family fun day in August, and various festivities around Christmas.

It’s a noteworthy occasion celebrating the past while looking to the future.

The residents of Barry can stay informed through the council's social media or their official website for updates about the celebration.