Bangor City Council

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.

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