Cannes in Wales (From Penarth Times)

Cannes in Wales

TWO businessmen want to put Penarth on the film festival map - by turning the town into the new Cannes!

Danny Chang and Peter Ferris have been making contacts and talking to people for two years to see whether such a festival, based around the pier, is a realistic prospect.

The pair jointly own Nutopia Chang - based at Briar Bank Studios in Penarth - a company which has several strings to its bow, including facilities to record artists and offer training opportunities for budding actors.

They have pitched their plans - which also include a multi-storey car park - to the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Danny said: "We want to make this a festival for everyone.

"The idea of four different events - such as fashion, film, music and comedy festivals at different times of the year - will mean that for about six weeks of the year Penarth will be at the centre of things.

"The pier would be the focus, but we also want to involve other venues like the Paget Rooms, the Washington Gallery, the Turner Gallery and the Conservative Club.

"The rest of the time there will be shows, tea dances and film showings. During half terms we could show children's matinees."

The events would showcase Welsh talent, but would not be exclusively Welsh.

The proposed fashion show has interested David Emmanuel, who designed Lady Diana's wedding dress, and Geoff Banks, who was on BBC's Clothes Show for many years.

The car park would be designed to fit in with the Victorian architecture of the town. A park and ride scheme is also something they desire.

Danny said: "People may have their reservations, but look at Hay on Wye which has a book festival. It attracts huge interest and Bill Clinton even read at the event. There is no reason why Penarth could not make a name for itself."

Plans have yet to be finalised as the Vale of Glamorgan Council has not yet decided on any future use for the pier building.

Leader of the Council, Jeffrey James said: "They had some great ideas which they put to the Events Committee.