Barry Island Fun Fair And Illuminations Video - 1989

Keeping it Barry Island I wanted to feature a video of the place shot in 1989 by Roger Middleton. Thanks to my interest in the place and period Roger contacted me recently offering the video to share. For me there’s some great shots in the video of some of the old rides at the fair, and a look at the wonderful illuminations at the island going full tilt.

There’s no sound to the video, and there’s also a bit of a jitter to it which I suspect is down to the way the video was originally captured. I was unable to fix that, but despite the jitter it’s worth a look. I really like the lighting on the arcades and rides, it really made it feel magical.

There’s some great reminders in the footage, shots of the Wacky Goldmine, 2000 Century, the people mover and the Log Flume. There’s also the Fantomas ghost train and a look at the animated figures that stood above it. I have to admit I’d forgotten about this incarnation of the ghost train and when it disappeared, or if it was co-existent with the other ghost train with Frankenstein outside.

Also of note to me is the very last shot of the footage which features a video game I recall well, all except its name. The game involved the kidnap of a heavy metal band who would then run around a maze whacking mummies with their guitars. It might have been called Rock and Rumble, but I can’t find any info on it if that was its name. If anyone can recognises and can name it, please leave a comment.

You could be forgiven for thinking I’m a bit obsessed with Barry Island, but that’s only because I am! There’s be more to come in the near future, but for now take a look at the video some screen grabs from it.