Pontio will re-open its doors to the public on Monday 12 July following over a year of closure. The arts and innovation centre in Bangor closed on 20 March 2020 in response to the coronavirus crisis.
The summer programme promises an eclectic mix of films including the inspiring film Dreamhouse, the documentary, The Welshman, as well as The Father, which won Anthony Hopkins an Oscar earlier in the year. With fewer screenings, lower capacities and Covid guidelines in place, the management at Pontio look forward to welcoming customers back to a safe environment.
In addition to the Cinema reopening a festival, Gŵyl Goncrit, is planned for the summer with productions and workshops on an outdoor stage in Pontio’s Loading Bay.
Audiences can look forward to performances from Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Plu and Eve Goodman for an opening Folk Gig on Friday 30 July. How To Win Against History the production that sold the Edinburgh Fringe out in 2016 and 2017 will visit Gŵyl Goncrit in August. National Dance Company Wales will bring an Open Air to the festival for two afternoon performances on Saturday 14 August, and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru will bring their new production, Gwlad yr Asyn for two nights at the end of August. More events to the Gŵyl Goncrit line-up will be announced soon.
Every Thursday for three weeks, Pontio will hold wellness workshops that have been an integral part of their digital programme during the recent lockdown in person for the first time. Sarah Mumford’s movement workshops Heb Ffiniau, a Dance For Parkinson’s session, led by Angharad Harrop and Helen Wyn Parri that started online in March, as part of the new hub for Dance For Parkinson’s by National Dance Company Wales and English National Ballet. And finally, Baby Brahms a relaxed music session for parents and their babies with professional musicians.
Osian Gwynn, Director of Pontio Arts said “It’s a pleasure to re-open Pontio Cinema’s doors to the public in July and welcome audiences back to the centre. We are also looking forward to Gŵyl Goncrit – a new, exciting and bold festival that stages live productions, in the open air, with works from Wales!”
“To book tickets for the cinema or Gŵyl Goncrit, go to pontio.co.uk. We encourage customers to book in groups for Gŵyl Goncrit and to bring their own chairs to the events. More details are on our website.”
