Thousands attend a weekend of Victorian festivities

With the lead up to Christmas, visitors from the Bridgend County Borough and beyond joined in the Victorian Christmas themed weekend at Bryngarw House and Country Park in Brynmenyn Bridgend on the 17 and 18 December.

The weekend was a great success for Bridgend County Borough Council’s Healthy Living Service, with over 1,000 visitors in attendance each day taking part in a number of Christmas family activities.

Children had the opportunity to enjoy traditional fairground rides such as swing boats and a cup and saucer ride as well classic stalls including the coconut shy and the ever popular hook a duck.

Francis and Phineas, Victorian characters from Pick ‘n’ Mix Circus cast a warm Victorian glow over the proceedings, entertaining the whole family with their circus skills including interaction with the crowds by providing demonstrations on mastering the art of juggling, the diablo and pate spinning. They also amazed the crowds with their skills on the one wheeled velocipede and kept the children amused with their mesmerising balloon modelling.

During the weekend, the storytelling sessions were a great success which took place inside Bryngarw House, with actors from Chance Encounters telling visitors the story of how a Victorian Christmas would have played out in the house during this time and how they would have prepared for a festive season.

Violet from Wick who attended the event said: “My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at the event in Bryngarw and in particular we enjoyed the storytelling. Both story tellers were excellent and the lady who played the housemaid was so expressive and captivating to listen to. The two characters complimented each other perfectly with their different styles. We had an excellent day out at Bryngarw.”

The highlight of the event was the main man himself – Father Christmas! He made an appearance both days spreading Christmas joy throughout Bryngarw and the children got the opportunity to meet him up close to tell him their Christmas wishes.

Councillor Lyn Morgan, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing said: “Well done to everyone involved in the management and the running of this event at Bryngarw House and Country Park. It was a great success and being part of the One Historic Garden project has meant Bryngarw is providing high quality services to residents, tourists and visitors alike.

“The aim of the recreational services offered by Bryngarw is to support and provide a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities which falls within the remit of our wellbeing strategy and we look forward to continuing this service in 2012.”

To end the successful weekend, on Sunday evening, 100 people enjoyed a three course dinner at the award-winning Harlequin Restaurant and over 200 people joined in outdoor carol singing, accompanied by the TATA Brass Band from Port Talbot, rounded off with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.

Look out for new and exciting events for 2012!

Bryngarw House and Country Park is part of the ‘One Historic Garden’ project linking heritage, gardens and opportunities across South Wales, and is part-funded by the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund through Visit Wales & the Welsh Government and supported by The Valleys Heart and Soul of Wales campaign.