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.
Transforming Towns project
Transforming Bangor
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Cyngor Gwynedd are keen to find out what local people think of the Fingerpost, mural and vinyls implemented in the City recently.
Please follow the link below to the questionnaire: https://arolwg.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/index.php/917666...
The winner of a competition to design a logo for Bangor’s 1500th Anniversary celebrations has been announced.
In 525 AD, St. Deiniol established the first religious settlement in Bangor, and in 2025, the city will host a year of celebrations and events marking this significant milestone for Wales’ oldest city.
Central to the Bangor 1500 celebrations is community engagement, with local schools playing a vital role from the beginning. This inclusive approach provides local children with a captivating opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and connect with the vibrant festivities.
Pupils in Years 5 and 6 from local primary schools were invited to participate in the logo design competition last year. The winning logo has now been digitised and will be used on social media and promotional materials for the celebrations.
Over 170 entries were received, and the winning design came from Victor Murlikiewicz of Ysgol Faenol. His thoughtful logo reflects the city’s heritage, inspired by the wattle fence that surrounded St. Deiniol's first settlement in the 6th century. The name “Bangor” is derived from the term ‘wattle fence.’ The logo also incorporates the striking red, gold, and blue colours found in Bangor’s Coat of Arms. It not only honours Bangor’s history but also symbolises unity and pride for the future.
Victor, who now attends Ysgol Friars, recently attended a ceremony where he received a £50 voucher for the Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre from Bangor City Director Dr Martin Hanks.
Dr Martin Hanks said: “Victor’s achievement highlights the incredible talent and creativity within the community and exemplifies how Bangor’s schools are central to shaping these celebrations. The logo will appear on all event materials, merchandise, and promotional items throughout the year, and Victor’s design will forever be associated with this historic milestone in the city’s history.”
Every child who participated in the competition also received a certificate to commemorate the Bangor 1500 Anniversary.
Cllr Eirian Williams Roberts, who organised the logo design competition, said: “As the 1500 celebration liaison with schools and young people's organisations in Bangor, I had the privilege of organising this logo competition and working closely with our local schools to make it a success. Seeing over 170 entries come in from talented young people across the city has been an absolute joy, and I am so proud of the enthusiasm and creativity they’ve shown.
“Victor’s winning design is truly exceptional. When I spoke with him and his dad, they explained the thoughtful process behind his work—researching what makes a strong logo and carefully designing something that represents Bangor’s heritage and future. The effort Victor put into this was remarkable, and the result is a logo that beautifully captures the spirit of our city’s 1500th anniversary.
“Victor’s logo will not only be seen throughout Bangor but also nationally and even internationally as part of the many events, celebrations, and activities planned for 2025. It will be a symbol of pride for our city and a lasting reminder of this monumental year.
“I’m also thrilled to be working with Rhys Lloyd Jones of Storiel on an exciting project to showcase all the incredible entries from the competition. This project will include a dedicated exhibition of the entries and potentially an interactive element, allowing visitors to engage with the creativity and talent of our young people. It’s a wonderful way to highlight the effort and imagination that went into this competition and to celebrate the contributions of every participant.
“It has been an honour to organise this competition and to work with such inspiring young people and schools in Bangor. I can’t wait to see Victor’s logo displayed far and wide as we come together to celebrate this incredible milestone year.”
Picture shows Cllr Eirian Williams Roberts, Dr Martin Hanks, Victor Murlikiewicz and Mayor Cllr Gareth Parry.
Bangors Around the World: A Global Journey Comes to Storiel in 2025
The city of Bangor is about to embark on a groundbreaking journey—one that spans continents, cultures, and centuries. The "Bangors Around the World" exhibition will officially launch at the Storiel Gallery in Bangor, Gwynedd, on 21st January 2025, celebrating the shared history and unique identities of every Bangor across the globe.
This unique small exhibition, housed in Storiel’s Community Exhibition Cabinet, bridges vast distances, uniting Bangors from all corners of the world in one intimate space. Visitors can explore over a dozen Bangors, from the rolling hills of Wales to the vibrant coasts of the United States, the scenic plains of Canada, and the rugged landscapes of Australia. The exhibit will feature photographs, historical accounts, and personal stories from Bangors far and wide.
An Ever-Changing Experience
The exhibition has been designed to evolve throughout the year, with new Bangors being showcased every month. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the unique stories behind each Bangor and explore how these communities—spread across the globe—share both a name and a sense of pride. Alongside the visual displays, a comprehensive write-up for each Bangor will be available in a file situated next to the exhibit. Visitors can also take home free handouts, allowing them to delve further into the history of these fascinating places.
A Journey of Discovery
The creation of this exhibition has been nothing short of an adventure. In assembling this unique collection, Bangor City Councillor, Eirian Williams Roberts, spent countless hours researching, contacting, and collaborating with residents, historical societies, teachers, and even government officials from Bangors in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
"It’s been such an incredible journey," Cllr Williams Roberts shares. "I’ve learned so much, not just about the other Bangors, but also about the people who call them home. The stories, the histories, and even the day-to-day lives of people in these Bangors are so fascinating. It’s a privilege to be able to bring all this together in one place for others to enjoy."
"One of the questions people often ask is, ‘How many other Bangors are there, and where are they?’ It’s been so rewarding to finally be able to answer that question—and to share the stories of these unique places with the people of our own Bangor here in Gwynedd."
The research process also led to many personal connections. "Everyone I spoke to shared a deep sense of pride in their Bangor," Eirian explains. "Whether they live in Bangor, Gwynedd, or Bangor, Maine, the connection to the name and its history unites us in a way that transcends borders. I’ve made new friends along the way, and their passion for celebrating their own communities has been truly inspiring."
A Celebration of Shared Identity
This small but powerful exhibition isn’t just about geography—it’s about connection. Each Bangor tells a unique story of resilience, progress, and community spirit, yet all share common threads of pride and identity. From the Welsh settlers who carried the name Bangor to new worlds, to modern-day Bangorians celebrating their shared heritage, this exhibition is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the name.
"It’s been a lot of hard work pulling everything together but seeing it all come to life in this exhibition has been worth every moment," says Eirian. "I’m really proud of what has been achieved, and I hope that people enjoy exploring the stories of these Bangors as much as I’ve enjoyed discovering them."
A Warm Welcome to All
The Bangors Around the World Exhibition is open to all and will run throughout 2025. With its ever-changing displays, it’s the perfect excuse to visit Storiel more than once and follow this global journey across the year.
Come celebrate the spirit of Bangor—wherever in the world it may be—and experience how one small exhibition can bring together stories from across the globe.
Location: Storiel Gallery, Bangor, Gwynedd
Dates: Throughout 2025
Opening Times: 11-5, Tuesday – Saturday
For more information, contact Storiel:
Phone: 01248 353 368
Email: storiel@gwynedd.gov.uk
Website: www.storiel.org
Bangor will celebrate its 1500th anniversary in 2025, marking a monumental milestone with a year full of events and activities planned throughout the year. The celebrations will begin with a spectacular fireworks display at the city’s Garth Pier on New Year’s Eve.
A variety of exciting activities are planned to honour Bangor's rich history, vibrant present, and promising future. The celebrations will showcase the spirit of the community and highlight the heritage and diversity that make Bangor a unique and special place.
Bangor City Council has worked closely with local organisations, schools, and community groups to develop a vibrant and diverse array of events that celebrate the city’s past, present, and future. The lineup includes cultural festivals, historical reenactments, parades, sports events, competitions, and educational talks, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Central to these celebrations is a strong commitment to the community and Bangor’s heritage.
In preparation for the celebrations, Bangor City Council has planted 18,000 daffodils - one for each month since the city’s foundation in 525 - which will bloom just in time for St. David's Day. Local schoolchildren will also commemorate the occasion by burying time capsules beneath a commemorative tree later in 2025.
Bangor City Director Dr Martin Hanks, said, “2025 will mark 1,500 years since St. Deiniol arrived and established his first religious settlement in 525, and we feel this milestone should be celebrated in style.
“As a city, we’re collectively putting together a programme of events that will run throughout the year. This includes Bangor University, the City Council, local schools, sports clubs, and community groups - all working together to create something truly special.
“Over the centuries, Bangor has grown not only in historical significance but also in cultural richness and diversity, with people from all walks of life coming together to create a dynamic, thriving city. This milestone year will celebrate not only the city’s fascinating history, from its founding by St. Deiniol to its vibrant cultural and intellectual contributions, but also the bright future that awaits Bangor and its people.
“The real ambition is to bring the whole community of Bangor together and promote our great city. Bangor 1500 promises to be an unforgettable year, with something for everyone - whether through attending events, participating in activities, or sharing in the joy of this significant milestone.”
The Bangor 1500 launch event at Garth Pier will take place on 31st December, starting at 9 pm. The evening will feature food, drinks and musical entertainment, with the fireworks display just after midnight.
Avril Wayte, Chair of Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, said, “We are thrilled to announce a very special fireworks event planned for New Year’s Eve at Garth Pier.
“The pier is always a wonderful place to celebrate the arrival of the new year, but this year is particularly significant as we welcome 2025, marking 1500 years of history for Bangor. We invite everyone to join us for an evening filled with food, drinks, and music in the lead-up to midnight.”
For further information please contact Lyn Parry at Bangor City Council on 01248564168.
For any media enquiries, please contact Medi Parry-Williams on 07464097587.
Penny For Your Thoughts by Bangor Business School - Podcast on Spotify
Celebrating 1500 Years of the –Penny For Your Thoughts by Bangor Business School – Apple Podcasts
22 July 2024
It's disappointing to see Bangor City named as one of the UK's worst seaside towns. Such rankings often fail to capture the full picture and the unique charms that make Bangor City so special.
Bangor City is steeped in history , and it’s with no small measure of pride that Bangor City will be celebrating it’s 1500 year anniversary in 2025.
After all Bangor City is the 1st and oldest city in Wales. With landmarks such as St Deiniol’s Cathedral , Pontio arts center and Storiel Galery and Museum offering cultural and educational experiences, Bangor wears it’s heritage and culture with pride.
With stakeholders Bangor University and Coleg Menai , Our City is truly deserving to be known as a City of Learning, Innovation and Vision.
The city also provides breathtaking views of the Menai Strait and serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park and our forebears recognised that in lacking a suitable beach , they found the perfect solution to promenade and take the sea "airs" and built our magnificent victorian pier at Garth Point which now attracts over 80,000 visitors a year.
These ratings can sometimes highlight areas for improvement, offering an opportunity for Bangor City to address its challenges. With concerted efforts from the community and local authorities, Bangor can enhance its infrastructure, promote its historical and natural attractions, and support local businesses to improve the visitor experience.
The resilience and dedication of Bangor’s residents are crucial in transforming perceptions and showcasing the city’s true potential. By leveraging its rich history and natural beauty, Bangor City can strive to become a more attractive and vibrant coastal destination.
Bangor City Council
Date: 1 February - 3 March
The commencement of the St David’s Day celebrations when 18,000 native daffodils start to bloom in and around Bangor to mark each month since Bangor was founded in 525AD.
Date: Friday 14 February
Time: 7pm
Location: Saint Deiniol’s Cathedral
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk
Date: Friday 21 February
Time: Starting at 12pm. Parade at 1pm.
Location: starting from Storiel, High Street, Cathedral.
Activities for an hour, around Storiel, Pontio, and M-Spar and Neuadd Penrhyn, related to Dewi and Deiniol, start parading at 13:00 from Storiel around the cathedral, down the High street, stop to sing near the clock, then back through the Deiniol Centre back to the cathedral to sing some more.
Date: Friday 14th February
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: Saturday 1st March
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: Sunday 18th May
Location: Bangor High Street
Date: Friday 29th & Saturday 30th August
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: Thursday 11th September
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: Sunday 14th September
Location: Bangor Cathedral
Date: Saturday 4th October~
Location: Bangor Cathedral
