The event marked the 70th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
The prestigious gathering brought together youth organisations, supporters and participants from across the UK to celebrate seven decades of the DofE and its impact on young people.
The afternoon included talks from award participants and guest speakers who shared powerful stories about how the programme has transformed lives.
Hannah Brown, DofE manager for the Vale of Glamorgan, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is so much more than a certificate.
“For the young people we work with across the Vale of Glamorgan, DofE has the power to genuinely change lives and we see that every single day.
“We’ve watched young people who arrived feeling unsure of themselves walk away with their heads held high, proud of what they’ve achieved.
“We’ve seen resilience built in real time, on rainy expedition weekends, through hours of volunteering in their communities, and in the quiet moments when a young person realises they’re capable of far more than they thought.
“These are the outcomes that matter to us, and they align directly with our Council’s Vale 2030 ambitions to Give Everyone a Good Start in Life.”
Vale DofE coordinator Annette Harrison said the programme is open to anyone aged 14 to 24.
She said: “This is a huge milestone for our service and an incredible opportunity for our young people.
“The DofE is open to anyone aged 14 to 24, regardless of background, ability or experience.”
The Vale Youth Service has announced a new Gold DofE group will launch in September 2026.
Councillor Rhiannon Birch said: “It is fantastic to see the Vale Youth Service recognised as part of this national celebration marking 70 years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”
