Outdoor events spread across longer periods of time to support town centres are set to take place in 2021-22 as organised by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, replacing popular favourites such as Cinema by the Sea and Barry Island Weekenders.

A report heard by the cabinet yesterday suggested that the proposed programme is refocused on delivering safe events that promote town centre economies, and the coast and country parks by working with providers in line with Welsh Government recommendations.

Both Council and externally-organised events were cancelled for 2020-21 as a result of the pandemic and restrictions.

"Any events will take place over a longer time period, extending the season and alleviating pinch points in footfall that traditional one day or weekend events would cause," read the report.

Vale Council Deputy Leader Lis Burnett said "Our events programme this year will look a little different. It will focus on smaller events to support our town centres."

"We will also encourage people to explore our coast and country parks.

"We will try to engage as many local entertainers to boost our creative sector and will hold 'Meet the Buyer' events to help people hear what is on offer."

What events could take place if Covid-19 restrictions allow?

Vale Walking Season, Complementary to Valeways Walking Festival

Based on the Council's popular 10 Vale Trails, this would be Vale wide and participants could be encouraged to walk all 10 trails independently and upload their progress and images from the trails to Visit the Vale's Social Media channels. It would include activities for participants such as treasure hunt for children, wildlife spotting, geology etc, and would take place over a longer time period like in the summer months, so as not to encourage gathering.

The council would work with business along the trails to get involved for instance offering special dishes for participants etc, to encourage spend locally. Valeways would be invited to support the event, which would add value to their guided Walking Festival.

Vale Photography Festival

Based on a Photo Marathon type event, this would be Vale-wide and take place over a week-long or month period. Event participant would be given subjects to photograph across the Vale and again would be coordinated across the Visit the Vale's social media and website. A very visual event with mutual benefits to both the destination and participants.

It is hoped the event would encourage participants into town centres and country parks as well as to the more popular photographic destinations.

Vale Light Festival

Buildings and public/urban spaces could be lit up across a town or area to create a light trail. The trail could take in light features already in place such as the Barry Island Western and Eastern Shelters and Hood Road Tunnel.

Vale Film Festival

Venues across the Vale could host film nights or days across a specific period (only once restrictions allow).

Venues could include St.Donats, Dunraven Gardens, Cosmeston Medieval Village and Penarth Pier and all showings would require entry via pre booking, so that numbers could be strictly controlled.

Vale Country Park Family Weekenders

Working with the Rangers at Cosmeston Park and Porthkerry Country Park to host Rangers' days covering different subjects featured across the Parks. These could be thematic according to subjects such as wildlife spotting, ecology, or family fun.

Picnic in the Park

Based at both Porthkerry and Cosmeston (if and when restrictions are relaxed), family picnic days, ticketed events which are pre-bookable where designated spaces are allocated per 'bubble', with activities and entertainment arranged for participants. This could include workshops introducing the wildlife, small scale sporting events, kids outdoor fun etc.

Sports/Activity Weekenders

The Council could partner with local outdoor sports providers across the Vale such as the Wild Trails People and Outdoor activity providers to provide outdoor sporting weekenders at various Vale venues.

Town Centre Weekenders

Building on the successful Vale Town Centres campaign which has established a positive platform which town centre businesses are actively engaging with, The six Town Centre Weekenders would provide town centre events across the Vale including activities such as trails, competitions and numbers-controlled events. Central Park, Barry is currently being refurbished to include a stage area and electric and as the park is fenced, the space could host an audience-controlled event, with pre booked access.