Christmas 2024 has arrived in Barry here's how locals celebrated!

The festivities spanning from Friday to Saturday saw a range of different family friendly Christmas activities available in King Square and Central Park.

On Friday evening the square was packed with people eager to watch the light switch on.

Barry Christmas Light switch on (Image: NQ) The two-day event was hosted by Bro Radio who live broadcasted the festivities.

The Atkinson family were picked this year to turn on the lights after winning a competition carried out by Bro Radio.

When the iconic moment to turn the Christmas lights arrived Bro Radio made everyone shout 'Oh what's occurring?" In reference to Gavin and Stacey.

Alongside Bro Radio providing entertainment other performers interacted with the crowds and sang many recognisable Christmas classics.

Locals were treated to Barry Superchoir, guitarist Patsy Hunt of The Treble Makers and many more.

Patsy of 'The Treble Makers' (Image: NQ) Patsy said: "It's a nice event to be at and it looks like a good turnout.

We are looking at the stalls now and we'll head back with a cuppa later to watch the lights."

The Barry Polar Bear! (Image: NQ) Unique aspects of Barry's Christmas festival celebrations included a giant polar bear which walked through the streets, photo opportunities with authentic Gavin and Stacey props like Bryn's Coaches and Smithy's work van, a large light up reindeer called 'Lumi the reindeer', a Santa's grotto, elves walking around the streets and a special visit from Jack Frost!

Jack Frost with Mrs Frost Barry Christmas light switch on (Image: NQ) Alongside this there was also a fairground stationed outside of Kings Square with new and old school fairground games and rides like hook a duck, the teacups, a pirate ship and a fun house! Barry locals were certainly kept entertained this weekend.

Many traders were also present at the two-day event selling crafts and food and drink.

I treated myself to a Bailey’s hot chocolate from horsebox business ‘Fizzy Gin.’

There were also other food and drink options including woodfire pizza, churros, roast potatoes in gravy, winter cocktails and more. The options were endless!

Natalie Bolan from Dimensional Art was one of the traders at the festival.

Gavin and Stacey prints from Dimensional Art (Image: NQ) She has an illustrations business in Barry's Goodsheds and was selling Gavin and Stacey art prints whilst at the event alongside her other illustrations.

Business owner Natalie bolan in her stall (Image: NQ) She said: "So I've brought down all the Barry prints that I do, and illustrations and I've also got the Vale of Glamorgan calendars.”

Amy Archer was another trader at the event.

 She was selling homemade candles and fragrances for her Aberdare based business Daisy Fresh Wales.

Goods for sale Daisy Fresh Wales (Image: NQ) Amy said: "Everything is handmade, and you can refill the candles with our refill system I'm really pleased to be here in Barry and it's going to be such a good event."

Amy Archer of Daisy Fresh Wales in her stall (Image: NQ) Her crowd-pleasing candle was the 'Sparkle Candle' which consisted of plum, frosted sugar, and toasted sugar. Very Christmassy indeed!

Handmade by Ffion was another business at the event. The Porthcawl based business run by Ffion Edwards sold a variety of handmade jewellery.

Ffion Edwards of Handmade by Ffion in her stall (Image: NQ) Ffion Edwards said: "I've got handmade sea glass jewellery, so I picked this sea glass of the Welsh coastline, and I drill them, and hand wrap them.

“I've also got Christmas clay earrings which I make by hand and some textiles personalised cushions and handmade bags."

Goods for sale from Little Eco Valley (Image: NQ) Trader Ethan Hall of Maesteg business Little Eco Valley said: "We are happy to spread some joy during the Christmas period in Wales."

"We make ecofriendly candles that are made with a coconut and rapeseed wax so no chemicals and better environmentally than soy.”

Business owners Ethan Hall with stall and son Elijah (Image: NQ) He continued: “We've also got some wooden engraved products like Christmas baubles and Santa's treat boards."

Overall, the weekend celebrations went down a treat with locals who are gearing up for Christmas!