Siân Gwenllian MS, the Member of the Senedd for Arfon, paid tribute to the city of Bangor in the Senedd, marking the city’s remarkable 1,500th anniversary.
Bangor, one of the oldest cities in Wales, is celebrating a millennium and a half of rich heritage, community spirit, and resilience. Siân Gwenllian, who was herself educated in Bangor at the former Bangor School for Girls, used the opportunity in the Senedd chamber to reflect on the city’s historic and cultural significance.
The 90 Second Statement is a mechanism that allows Members of the Senedd to make brief, factual contributions on issues of personal or local significance. Siân Gwenllian chose to use this platform to honour the enduring spirit of Bangor and its people.
In her statement, she said: “This year, the city of Bangor celebrates an extraordinary milestone—its 1,500th anniversary.
“It’s a moment to honour a resilient, unique, and colourful community. The city’s story began in the sixth century, when St Deiniol founded a monastery on the site that would become Bangor Cathedral—one of the earliest Christian centres in Wales. Since then, Bangor has stood at the heart of our nation’s story.
“From the boom of the slate industry, with Penrhyn Quarry once among the largest in the world, to the founding of Bangor University in 1884, the city has grown into a proud centre of education, culture, and identity.
“This anniversary isn’t only a time to look back. It’s a chance to celebrate the Bangor of today—a city that, like many others, faces its share of challenges, but this is a community that refuses to give up.
“It’s a place full of people who care deeply—people who give their time and energy to their community. From the Maestryfan group to the Maesgeirchen Partnership, and the Friends of Pier y Garth, Bangor is full of quiet heroes working to build a better future. And the future is full of promise. Happy birthday, Bangor.”
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