That Wasted Bit at Barry Island Station – Turn It Into Something Brilliant

 Alright, hear me out for a second. You know that bit at the end of Barry Island train station? The scruffy patch with weeds, broken fences, and the tunnel that looks like it leads straight into a horror movie?

Yeah, that bit.

Now imagine stepping off the train and instead of thinking, “Blimey, bit grim down there,” you hear music playing, smell fresh doughnuts, see stalls all lined up selling everything from handmade crafts to vintage tees, old vinyl, street food that makes your belly growl, and some local legend selling Welsh cakes out of a converted camper van.

Imagine that.

Open-air market. Right there. At the end of the line.

It wouldn’t take much. The railway’s gone. That tunnel’s not bringing a train through again unless Doctor Who’s filming. So let’s make it useful. Let’s make it exciting. Something different. Something ours.

You could have local makers, food vans, kids with lemonade stands, old timers selling antique bits, someone with a dog in sunglasses - all of it. You could theme it, rotate it, keep it fresh. People would love it. You’re already getting the footfall - the beachgoers, the families, the TikTok crowd chasing sunsets with chips in hand - give them a reason to linger. Give them a reason to come back.

And on the quieter days? Bang on a car boot sale. Everyone loves a rummage. Bit of banter, bit of treasure hunting. Someone’s tat is someone else’s gold. It keeps the place alive.

But here’s where it really kicks off…

Winter.

Barry Island’s dead in winter. Let’s be honest. The fair shuts, the seagulls look miserable, and you’re freezing in five layers wishing you stayed home. But imagine if that old bit of trackbed came alive with twinkly lights, firepits, hot chocolates, mulled wine, Christmas songs, cosy blankets, bratwurst sizzling away, roasted marshmallows, snow machine going mad for the kids.

A proper Winter at the End of the Line vibe.

You could have a little stage with buskers or school choirs singing, stalls with handmade gifts, a bloke in a Santa hat selling toffee apples, and a pop-up bar in an old train carriage doing Bailey’s hot choc. It’d be bloody brilliant. And it would keep Barry alive when it usually goes into hibernation.

It’s right there, waiting. The space is empty. The people are coming. It just needs someone with vision – or even just someone with a clipboard and a bit of enthusiasm.

I’m telling you – that spot could be magic.

So come on, whoever’s in charge of this sort of thing - let’s make it happen. I’ll be the first one there, flask in one hand, shopping bag in the other, probably buying something I absolutely don’t need but definitely want.

Tunnel End Market. Barry’s best-kept secret - for now.

(Copyright remains with owner)

(Copyright remains with owner)