Agenda Item No

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment): 13th January, 2009

 

Report of the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration

 

Building on the Success of Gavin & Stacey and other Media Productions

 

Purpose of the Report

1.             The purpose of this report is to consider a request from Councillor Rob Curtis to show how the Council is maximising publicity for Barry and Barry Island as a result of the success of the BBC hit TV show Gavin & Stacey.

Recommendations

1.             That Committee note the report.

Reasons for the Recommendations

1.             To inform Committee of the work undertaken by the Tourism Unit to maximise publicity for Barry and Barry Island as a result of Gavin & Stacey.

Background

2.             Gavin & Stacey series one and two has been a highly successful comedy, which has received numerous awards and is mainly based around Barry and Barry Island.  The show focuses on the relationship between Barry girl Stacey and Essex boy Gavin and their families and friends.

3.             Cabinet has also previously requested a report on marketing policy for filming requests and a further report will follow on this subject shortly.

Relevant Issues and Options

4.             The success of the show has provided much needed free publicity for Barry and Barry Island which the Council’s tourism unit have been keen to utilise as positively as possible.

5.             Although the production company were not willing at the present time to endorse a specific Gavin & Stacey trail various initiatives have occurred as a result of the show.  These include the switching on of the 2007 Christmas lights in Barry by Ruth Jones and Joanna Page (Nessa and Stacey in the series), Real Radio breakfast show broadcasting from Barry Island with cast members as guests, Radio One returning to Barry Island after a gap of approximately 15 years with a guest appearance by Ruth Jones, and a significant amount of press coverage and radio interviews.  One of the most high profile events to emerge was the highly popular Ruth Jones Sunday BBC Radio Wales Sunday Brunch Show being broadcast live from Barry Island on the 21st December 2009.

6.              Examples of some of the positive publicity that has been generated will be available at the Committee meeting.

7.             Gavin & Stacey is one of a number of TV/Film productions that have utilised the Vale of Glamorgan as its primary location.  Other recent examples include Dr Who, Torchwood, Merlin and Sarah Jane Adventures.  Information on certain locations that have been used in these productions and others is available from the Tourism Service and this is being added to as new opportunities arise.  A location guide for the tourism marketing region ‘Glamorgan and Heritage Coast and Countryside’ (Vale and Bridgend) is currently being explored.  This would complement the area brochure and associated print.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

8.             Some of the events have utilised the Council's event budget.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

9.             Legal implications are a consideration in respect of copyright law and officers have been keen to work with those responsible for Gavin & Stacey as their continued co-operation can only be an advantageous.

Crime and Disorder Implications

10.        The success of the show has been positive for the image of Barry but there are no direct implications for crime and disorder.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

11.        There are no equality implications associated with this report.

Corporate/Service Objectives

12.        The Council has a corporate aim to develop and promote tourism and opportunities such as those presented by Gavin & Stacey greatly assist in both promoting the area and attracting visitors.

Policy Framework and Budget

13.        This report is within the policy framework and budget.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

14.        Discussion has taken place with Councillor Curtis as a result of the request but there has been no Ward Member consultation as the development and promotion of tourism is a Vale wide issue.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

15.        Economy and Environment.

Background Papers

Request from Councillor Rob Curtis.

Contact Officer

Claire Evans - Tourism and Marketing Manager - Tel:  01446 704868.

Officers Consulted

Head of Economic Development and Leisure

Operational Manager Leisure and Tourism

Operational Manager Legal Services

Head of Accountancy

Head of Visible Services

Responsible Officer:

Rob Quick - Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration.

 

Copy of Request for Consideration form submitted by Councillor R.F. Curtis