On the site you will find information about the city of Bangor, what is happening here as well as some of its background and history. There are links to information about the High Street, to the various attractions in the Bangor area and to forthcoming events in the City. You can also learn about the Bangor City Council, who is your local Councillor and what services the Council provides for the community. There is the timetable for Council and Committee meetings and the minutes of those meetings.
Hwb Dinas Bangor
The Hwb is open to everyone and is a safe space where you can get help and advice on a wide range of social and wellbeing matters.
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Transforming Towns project
Transforming Bangor
Twin City friendship
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One of Bangor’s most historic quarters has stepped into the spotlight at this year’s Bangor Summer Festival. Pendref, at the top of the High Street and steeped in heritage, has unveiled a striking new artwork by acclaimed Welsh printmaker Ann Lewis RCA. The piece celebrates the area’s distinctive architecture and colourful past, telling its stories in bold, intricate detail.
The centrepiece, a 10-foot-high vinyl reproduction of Lewis’s intricate linocut, depicts some of Pendref’s most iconic buildings, each with its own tale to tell. These include:
“It’s a good news story for Bangor High Street,” said Jo Pott Mercer, whose Kyffin Café and Jo Pott Interiors, have been a cornerstone of Pendref for many years. “The artwork tells our story visually, and we unveiled it during the festival day when the whole area was buzzing with events.”
The unveiling also coincided with the opening of a new independent bookshop in Pendref, adding to the district’s growing cultural scene.
The project has been supported by Bangor City Council, which funded the vinyl installation. The original linocut, brimming with detail from intricate chimneys to Art Deco flourishes, is set to become a visual anchor for the High Street and a reminder of the layers of history embedded in its walls.
“Pendref is a living reminder of Bangor’s deep roots,” said Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director. “From medieval gatherings to 20th-century cinema nights, its streets have seen it all. This year, as we mark Bangor’s 1,500th anniversary, it’s fitting that we celebrate one of the city’s most historic quarters with artwork that captures its spirit for generations to come.”
From medieval meetings to 20th-century cinema queues, post coaches to coffee drinkers, Pendref has always been a place where people gather and stories unfold. This August, it’s telling those stories bigger and bolder than ever.
Photo shows Ann Lewis, commissioned artist.
Bangor’s new community hub, Hwb Dinas Bangor, has already become a lively, welcoming centre at the heart of the city. Since its launch in April and formal opening on 18 July, more than 1,700 residents have stepped through its doors in search of advice, support, or simply a friendly conversation.
The Hwb’s location at Tan-y-Fynwent, adjacent to the city bus station, makes it easily accessible and convenient to reach. Once inside, visitors find an open and friendly space where no appointment is required. Support is offered on a drop-in basis, covering everything from housing and mental health to digital skills, employment advice, and wellbeing.
In total, 47 partner organisations are now engaged, ensuring there is always something new to discover and a wealth of expertise on hand. Epilepsy Wales will be joining in September, and the Prison and Probation outreach service began several weeks ago. Weekly outreach has also started at the Bangor African Society, ensuring the Hwb takes its services to residents who don’t always visit the city centre.
As part of North Wales Police’s Clear, Hold, Build strategy, PC Dewi and PCSO Mark were at the Hwb Dinas Bangor recently for the ‘Cuppa with a Copper’ session. Visitors joined them for tea or coffee and had the chance to discuss any issues or concerns, with the team being on hand to help.
One of the most popular fixtures in the August timetable has been the Digital sessions every Wednesday morning. These informal drop-ins give people the chance to get hands-on help with their phones, tablets, or computers, whether that’s learning how to set up email, navigating online services, or just building confidence with technology. The atmosphere is friendly and patient, making it as much a social encounter as a learning opportunity.
The centre’s success is built on collaboration. Services such as iCan mental health support, Enfys Alice Suicide Bereavement Support, homeless and housing advice support, and wellbeing workshops are delivered by local agencies under one roof, allowing residents to address multiple needs in a single visit.
The Hwb also opens its facilities to local groups, offering free meeting rooms, presentation screens, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and even an outdoor green space. Organisations are encouraged to bring pop-up banners and leaflets, turning the building into a hub of shared knowledge and partnership.
Volunteers are at the heart of this work, welcoming visitors, helping with events, and offering support. Bangor City Council is keen to welcome more residents to the team, stressing that no specialist experience is needed, just the willingness to listen and be part of something that is making a difference.
As summer turns to autumn, the Hwb team is already planning an expanded programme of events, with more activity days, themed awareness weeks, and seasonal celebrations. If the first month is anything to go by, Hwb Dinas Bangor is on its way to becoming an essential fixture in the life of the city, a place where support, skills, and community spirit meet under one roof.
Lisa Goodier, Head of Partnerships and Transformation at Bangor City Council, stated, “Our primary goal is to support our residents in living their best lives, regardless of their current circumstances, while also helping them to become or remain independent in the future.
“We provide Hwb services with kindness and compassion, without judgment, welcoming residents from all walks of life, no matter what their journey looks like.”
The centre is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm. For information or to get involved, call 01248 352421 or email hwb.hub@bangorcitycouncil.com
Picture shows Lisa Goodier, Cllr Elin Walker-Jones, Cllr Delyth Russell Deputy Mayor and Dr Martin Hanks, City Director all from Bangor City Council.
For further information please contact Lyn Parry at Bangor City Council on 01248564168.
For any media enquiries, please contact Medi Parry-Williams on 07464097587.
The Bangor 1500 logo designs are currently on display at the Storiel Café until 13th September.
Children will have the opportunity to see their work showcased and take part in a design workshop at the end of the month to celebrate their achievements.
After 13th September, the information boards will be distributed to the schools that participated in the project.
Bangor City Council is pleased to announce Cllr Medwyn Hughes as the new Mayor of Bangor following the official Mayor Making ceremony held on Monday, 12 May. Cllr Hughes succeeds Cllr Gareth Parry, who has served with dedication over the past year.
Cllr Hughes, who previously held the role of Deputy Mayor, brings a wealth of experience to the mayoralty, including his time as former Chair of Cyngor Gwynedd. His longstanding commitment to public service and community development is expected to shape his year in office.
Cllr Gareth Parry reflected on his term, saying: “It has been an immense honour to serve the people of Bangor as Mayor. I am proud of what we have achieved together as a community over the past year, and I wish Cllr Hughes every success as he takes on this important role.”
In accepting the position, Cllr Medwyn Hughes said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected as Mayor of Bangor. It’s a privilege to represent such a vibrant and historic city. I look forward to working closely with councillors, residents, and community organisations to continue building a bright future for Bangor.”
This year holds special significance for the city, as Bangor celebrates the 1,500th anniversary of its founding. The year-long programme of events marks a momentous milestone in the city's history, bringing communities together to honour Bangor’s rich heritage and enduring spirit. As Mayor, Cllr Hughes will play a key role in leading and supporting these commemorations.
The Mayor Making ceremony, a formal tradition in the civic calendar, was attended by councillors, local dignitaries, and community representatives. It marked a smooth transition in leadership and reaffirmed the Council’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement and local progress.
30 April 2025
Yesterday saw the city come alive with 1,500 banners going up across Bangor – marking the official start of a year-long celebration of our city’s 1,500th anniversary! ???
Through 2025, Bangor will be buzzing with events celebrating our incredible history – from Saint Deiniol’s founding of the monastery in 525 AD, to the vibrant, diverse community we are today.
24 April 2025
Four green spaces in Bangor are set to be transformed as part of the city’s 1500th anniversary celebrations. The Bible Gardens, located in the heart of the city, will undergo a significant makeover thanks to the efforts of Bangor City Council, in collaboration with the Cathedral. Preparatory work for this major facelift of these iconic and popular town gardens has already begun. Find out more
Photo shows from left to right, Byd Bach Events Co-Founder Ceri Bostock, Dr Martin Hanks from Bangor City Council, Sion Eifion Jones from Adra Tai Cyf and Byd Bach Events Co-Founder Chloe Ellis.
Byd Bach Events is thrilled to announce its inaugural Community Interest Project, the Wales Dance Awards Competition 2025, which will take place on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 11am at the renowned Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, Bangor.
This exciting event is a proud part of the Bangor 1500 anniversary celebrations, highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage through the power of dance.
Thanks to the generous support of Bangor City Council, Pontio, and Adra Tai Cyf, Byd Bach Events is able to bring this long-held dream to life, providing an incredible platform for up to 500 young dancers from across Wales to showcase their talent.
Schools and dance groups are invited to take part in this spectacular competition, offering a perfect day out for pupils, their families, teachers, and friends. The event includes:
Medals for every child participating
Trophies awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place
Separate categories for mainstream schools and dance schools/groups
With limited spaces available, early registration is encouraged. Schools can secure their place with a low deposit and register by emailing bydbachcic@hotmail.com or sending a direct message.
Participation is just £10 per dancer, making this an affordable opportunity for young performers to experience the thrill of performing on a professional stage.
Co-Founders of Byd Bach Events Ceri Bostock and Chloe Ellis said: “We are incredibly proud and grateful to be arranging this event.
“This has been a dream of ours for years, and we are honoured to have it included in the Bangor 1500 celebrations. This is just the beginning of many community-driven projects that will bring arts and culture to the heart of our city.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate dance, creativity, and community spirit in Bangor. Register your place now by Thursday 20th February!!’’
Dr Martin Hanks, Director at Bangor City Council shared ‘we are extremely proud to be supporting this fantastic event for young dancers whilst creating something unique for Bangor as part of the 1500 celebrations this year’.
For further information, please contact:
Byd Bach Events via email at bydbachcic@hotmail.com or follow the Facebook Event Page: https://fb.me/e/3WMjXQy33
Date: 29 & 30 August
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: 11 September
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: 14 September
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: 4 October
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: 17 - 18 October
Location: Bangor University
Date: 5 November
Location: TBC
We are proud to announce that Storiel the Museum of Gwynedd in Partnership with Bangor City Council’s 1500 Celebration, M Sparc , Y Pethau Bychain , EECO and North Wales Wildlife Trust , will be working together to provide a series of activities on Tuesday May the 27th in preparation for THE Herds arriving in the UK at the end of June.
THE HERDS is public art and climate action on an unprecedented scale – an ambitious coming together of culture and climate awareness .
From April to August 2025, ever-growing herds of life-size puppet animals will stampede into cities across Africa and Europe to flee climate disaster in a public artwork on a scale never before attempted. Millions of people will follow THE HERDS online and via social media, and participate in special events and performances in person along the 20,000km route, from the Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle.
THE HERDS unites leading artists and organisations committed to driving change. Key stops include Kinshasa, Lagos, Dakar, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Madrid, Barcelona, Marseille, Arles, Paris, Venice, Manchester, London, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Trondheim, culminating in a final event in the Arctic Circle.
As the Herds travel through the UK from the 27th of June to the 5th of July with the impressive life like puppets appearing in London and Manchester. Working with Art Fund UK a total of 44 museums across Great Britain will be taking part each providing workshops and activities to raise awareness on a UK-wide level that will respond to the climate crisis and connect local communities with museum collections and the natural world.
Storiel will have two free workshops to create insect puppets on Tuesday the 27th of May in a specially erected marquee on Storiel’s Lawnt . Working with M Sparc designers and artist Elin Alaw these exiting family focused workshops will merge science and art together to create a vibrant puppets.
In addition to the workshops we will have stands by Enviromental Engineering company EECO to discuss the ideas of insects as a protein source for livestock , whilst North Wales Wildlife Trust (that currently have an exhibition at Storiel (Beyond the Boundary : A case of Garden Escapers (exhibition running until 14.06.2025) will have activities around the museum to participate in.
This event is funded by the Arts Fund . Tickets for these events are free and can be claimed through Eventbrite. A warm welcome to all .
11.00 am session: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-herds-gweithdy-...
14.00 pm session: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-herds-gweithdy-...
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