It has been a busy period in the University, with preparations underway for the graduation ceremonies, a highlight in the university calendar taking place between 8-12 July. Congratulations to those who will soon graduate! 

The University’s Community Fund continues to support activities and projects that encourage civic engagement activities with external partners. The fund supported ‘Active Travel Stakeholder Event: Generating Evidence in Support of Active Travel in north Wales’, which was held in Reichel Hall on 1st May. We look forward to seeing how the other projects develop over the coming months. The next call for proposals will open in the autumn. 

On 17th June, another meeting of the University’s Community Board took place. A range of matters were discussed of relevance to the University and external partners in Bangor and beyond, including improvements to Bangor High Street, Adra projects, the Storiel outdoors project, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s social prescribing work and the programme of celebrations to mark Bangor University’s 140th anniversary in 2024 and Bangor city’s 1500th anniversary in 2025.

Pontio continues to deliver a varied programme for the community, including the monthly Caffi Babis, weekly yoga sessions, and dance workshops for individuals living with Parkinson’s. On 10th April, pupils from Ysgol Friars linked up with BLAS, Pontio’s arts programme for children and young people, to perform ‘The Sad Club’. On 25th May, Pontio hosted a free dance workshop day for people aged 13-21, delivered by National Dance Company Wales. On 8th June, Pontio launched the ‘Sea’ exhibition, full of activities, workshops, artwork and more for people of all ages, to coincide with World Oceans Day. Pontio also hosted ‘You’ve Got Dragons’ between 22nd – 27th June. The show, produced and performed by Taking Flight, the accessible theatre company, is an audio described family show on tour across Wales. The show formed part of Hijinx’s Unity Festival, one of Europe’s largest inclusive and disability arts festivals. The festival took place in Pontio on 27th June. Looking ahead, Pontio will host RhythmAYE!, a day full of dancing and circus activities for the entire family, on 20th July, and the ‘Maes-G Showzone: Our Big Variety Show 2024’ will take place on 27th July.

The M-SParc ‘On Tour’ location on Bangor High Street continues to thrive, with the site a popular place for students and locals to call by and take advantage of the working spaces, use the Ffiws Maker Space and attend workshops e.g. Repair Café for everything from computers to hoovers. ‘Egni 2024’, an event to discuss the region’s strategic energy projects with an emphasis on engaging with local young people, was held in M-SParc on 21st May. Clwb Sparci, M-SParc’s Welsh language STEM club for children of all ages, continues with a range of exciting activities and workshops, including the ‘Microbits: Staying Healthy 2’ workshop on 13th June.

Treborth Botanic Garden was busy and lively recently for the Draig Beats Festival, which took place on 8th June. On a pleasant summer’s day, families and people of all ages took part in a range of activities and workshops and enjoyed the entertainment, with over £5,000 raised for Dr Sophie Williams (former Bangor University staff member now living in care). Over 900 visitors enjoyed yoga, meditation and singing sessions, a wide display of stalls including North Wales Wildlife Trust, Wild Elements Forest School and North Wales Climate Action, and circus performances by Syrcas Chimera CBC.

Looking ahead, a garden that was displayed as part of the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May will be relocating to Treborth this summer. Working with Eryri based garden design practice, Studio Bristow, and climate change charity, Size of Wales, the garden will be launched on 12th July. On 9th June, Henfaes Farm, Bangor University’s research farm, hosted an Open Day. Colleagues invited the public to the farm to showcase their research and the facilities.

Through the Widening Access programme, Bangor University hosted a Young Carers Residential between 25th – 27th March. The next residential will involve fifty young people from a range of schools across Wales, and will take place between 1st – 3rd July.

Bangor University’s Student Volunteering Bangor continues to work on volunteering projects that make a real difference in the community, including the Hot Meals Project. This student-led volunteering project aims to support the local community during the cost of living crisis. Volunteers cook 50-70 hot meals every Saturday and then serve them at Penrhyn Hall for anyone who needs them.

The University has been active in local and national festivals over previous weeks:

  • On 11th May, the University had a presence at the Caernarfon Food Festival. Making the most of the glorious weather, there was plenty of interest in the Ocean Sciences Seafood Village space, where there was a kitchen and live seafood cooking, a VR interactive zone, sea-themed art displays and language, art and sea-themed activities for children. Colleagues from the Medical School were also present at the festival to hold conversations and provide information.
  • The University attended the Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod between 27th May – 1st A busy and successful week with many visitors dropping by our stand, including several school competitors and choirs for some rehearsals! Students and alumni were victorious in a variety of competitions. Amongst the successes, alumna Tegwen Bruce-Deans was announced as the festival’s Main Prose Writer, winning this year’s Crown. On the University stand, colleagues and students were busy engaging with visitors. The week began with Caffi Babis, led by theatre director and performer Siwan Llynor and Angharad Harrop. Colleagues from the School of Arts, Culture and Language, and School of Environmental and Natural Sciences provided activities and challenges for children and young people, whilst the North Wales Medical School announced the winners of its inaugural homework competition, held in partnership with the Urdd. Amongst the visitors to the stand on 31st May was the First Minister of Wales, Vaughan Gething MS.
  • Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the University’s participation in the Royal Welsh Show between 22nd – 25th July, and also the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd between 3rd – 10th The University will offer an exciting programme of workshops, panel discussions, talks and presentations, with plenty on offer for children and young people, and we’ll take an opportunity to celebrate 50 years of Welsh Halls of Residence Neuadd JMJ! Furthermore, the Confucius Institute at Bangor University will be attending the Bangor Summer Festival on 17th August.

Ahead of the summer break, the University would like to wish everyone well for the summer holidays, and we look forward to updating you on the University’s work and relevant developments in the autumn. 

#YourUniversityYourCommunity