Dreaming of a California-inspired day out on the Welsh coast? Get ready for Barryfornia 2025, where vintage vibes meet handmade excellence on Barry Island's iconic promenade!
On Sunday, May 18th, Barry Island transforms into a celebration of Welsh creativity, classic pre-90s cars, and so much more, as well as independent makers. As the founder of Emma Easter Handcrafted, I'm thrilled to announce I'll be showcasing our latest collection of handmade bags, crafted right here in South Wales.
Where Vintage Meets Handmade: The Ultimate Barry Island Experience
Picture this: Barry Island transformed into a slice of West Coast paradise, where pre-90s chrome gleams under the Welsh sun (maybe). Barryfornia isn't just another market, it's where vintage California dreams meet Welsh seaside soul. Think pristine aircooled beauties lined up along the prom, hot rods turning heads, and lowrider bikes. The show & shine competition brings out Wales' finest restored classics, while retro water-cooled rides add to that old school cool.
Between admiring the motors, you'll find independent makers (including yours truly!) bringing handcrafted treasures, street food traders serving up proper grub, and that unmistakable cal-look style everywhere you turn. With Barry Island's golden sands and classic amusements as the backdrop, it's the perfect blend of California dreaming and Welsh beach day vibes.
What Makes Barryfornia Unique?
- Curated handmade market featuring some of Wales' top independent makers
- Classic pre-90s vehicles and vintage VW displays
- Family and dog-friendly atmosphere
- Stunning Barry Island seafront location
- Free entry for all visitors
Emma Easter Handcrafted at Barryfornia
Visit my stall to discover our latest collection of handcrafted bags, including:
- Premium leather crossbody bags
- Vegan-friendly bottle carriers
- Water-resistant totes that are perfect for beach days
- Limited edition designs
Each piece is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted in the Rhondda, South Wales, combining bold aesthetics with practical features that stand up to British weather (and yes, even Barry Island sand!).
The Brains Behind Barryfornia
This extraordinary event is brought to you by two powerhouse organisations:
- Rothfink Industries: Known for their passion for retro motors and creative culture
- indie.collectives: Curators of Wales' finest handmade markets
Essential Event Details:
- 📍 Location: Barry Island Promenade
- 📅 Date: Sunday, May 18th, 2025
- ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- 🎟️ Entry: Free
- 🐕 Dog-friendly: Yes
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: Yes
Getting There:
🚆 By Train
Transport for Wales operates regular services to Barry Island Station, which is just a short walk from the promenade. On Sundays, trains run approximately every 30 minutes from Cardiff Central, with the first train departing around 08:49 and the last at 23:02 . Journey times from Cardiff are typically under 30 minutes. (Please check https://tfw.wales/ before you travel.)
🚌 By Bus
Cardiff Bus offers several routes to Barry Island:
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Route 95: Connects Cardiff City Centre to Barry Island via Leckwith, Llandough, Dinas Powys, and Gibbonsdown. On Sundays, the first bus departs Cardiff Bus Interchange at 08:45 .
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Route 96: Serves Barry and stops near the promenade, with the last bus arriving around 22:17 .
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Route 100: Travels to Highlight Park, passing through Barry Island.
Bus stops closest to the promenade include Barry Island and Station Approach Road, both within a 5–7 minute walk . (Please check before you travel).
🚗 By Car
For drivers heading to Barry Island Promenade, the best postcode to use for sat navs is:
CF62 5TQ
(This will take you to the Barry Island Pleasure Park / Whitmore Bay Promenade area.)
🅿️ Parking Nearby
There are several car parks near the promenade, including:
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Barry Island Station Car Park (CF62 5TH) – a short walk to the beach
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Nell’s Point Car Park (CF62 5TR) – closest to the promenade and fairground
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Harbour Road Car Park (CF62 5SX)
All of these are Pay & Display and can get busy during events or sunny weekends, so arrive early if possible.
🗺️ Best Route Planning Tools
Drivers can use the following to check traffic and plan their route:
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Google Maps (maps.google.com) – enter "CF62 5TQ" for live traffic updates, route options, and estimated travel time
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Waze app – good for avoiding traffic jams and getting alternate routes in real time
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AA Route Planner (theaa.com/route-planner) – ideal for printing or saving directions
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Traffic Wales (traffic.wales) – for roadworks or delays across South Wales
Maker Lineup:
Make It a Day Out
Turn your Barryfornia visit into the perfect Welsh day out. Enjoy:
- Handmade shopping
- Classic car displays
- Beach walks
- Local food vendors
- Stunning coastal views
Can't make it to Barryfornia? Visit emmaeaster.co.uk to shop our full collection of handcrafted leather and vegan-friendly bags, all made with love in South Wales.
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