At the beginning of the 20th century Barry was developing into a major port.  The recently completed docks had brought migrant workers from far and wide ensuring the town's rapid expansion from a few insignificant villages into one of the world's largest exporters of coal.

This massive explosion in population created the a growing need for more social entertainment in the town.  The cinematograph was still in it's infancy and it would be some years before the start of radio broadcasting.  One of the main sources of entertainment was provided by the churches and chapels of the district which were the home of many amateur theatrical and musical societies.

It was against this backdrop that, in February 1902, twelve young men from Tynewydd Road Congregational Church formed the Barry Dock Glee Party, which was soon to be known as the Barry Male Voice Choir.

Records of the first few years of the choir are rather sketchy; the first documented performance being a “coffee supper” in early January, 1903 at the Tynewydd Road Church.  It was conducted by founder D.J. Thomas and “... the party acquitted themselves in a most creditable manner, displaying excellent musical taste.”

Of the “twelve good men and true” who established the choir  little is known.  However D.J. Thomas and E.L. Powell, deputy conductor, were both teachers at High Street School for many years.

A Barry notable who makes an early appearance in the choir's history is Colonel J.A. Hughes  (Chairman, Barry Urban District Council and local solicitor).  In October 1903 he is recorded as being chairman when the choir, under D.J.'s leadership and now 30 strong, won it's inaugural first prize (of £6) in the Sunday School Union Eisteddfod at Wood Street Congregational Church, Cardiff singing Daniel Protheroe's arrangement of the sacred part song In the sweet by-and-by.

All in all the first full year of the choir appears to have been a resounding success with many performances and a notable win.

The first annual concert took place in April 1904 at Romilly Hall, with “... ticket priced at 1, 2 and 3 shillings available at Mr. Windsor's, 99 Holton Road – carriages arranged for ten o'clock.”  The accompanist for the evening was J.M. Lloyd (later Dr.J. Morgan Professor of Music at University College, Cardiff.)  Included in the performance was Martyrs of the Arena by Laurent de Rille, which was the test piece for the forthcoming Caerphilly Eisteddfod where the choir was awarded second prize.

In September 1904 it was reported that “The choir now practices at the Woodland Hotel, the practice room having having been furnished and decorated at the expense of the choir.  The membership at 71 and it is hoped soon to increase the number to 80 or 100.”

The first major event in 1905 was the annual concert in February to raise funds for the recent move.  One of the chorister present was second bass Dan Evans who sold concert tickets from his ironmongers shop in Holton Road.