DAY 5 #PHOTOGRAPHERCHALLENGE
- Lisa Mayes
- Feb 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Having told the story of the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier yesterday, today I’d like to share with you a bit of the history of the pier itself. It will be something of a whistle-stop tour through the last 130 years - with such a vibrant history it would be impossible to do it any justice in just one post and you can look forward to hearing more detail further down the line.
Construction of the pier began in the autumn of 1894 and it was opened by Lord Penrhyn on 14th May 1896 after 18 months of construction. The opening was watched by a crowd of over 5000 people! Originally, the pier was used for the docking of steamships and the loading and unloading of goods. Over the years, it evolved into a popular leisure destination, offering entertainment and amusements. During its heyday, the pier featured a pavilion that hosted concerts, dances, and various events.
The pier was closed in 1971 by Arfon District Council after decay had caused it to become unsafe and it was nearly fated to be demolished. Thankfully Bangor City Community Council took ownership of the pier and promised to restore it after it achieved Grade II status. Work began in 1982 to restore the pier to its former glory after gaining financial support from a variety of organisations. The pier reopened in May 1988. Fast forward to more recent times and further restoration work was required which started in August 2017 and even today you can see evidence of ongoing work to keep this treasure in good condition for the enjoyment of future generations.
I would wholeheartedly recommend having a stroll down the 1500ft pier (the second longest in Wales) to take in the sea air and enjoy the delights offered by the various kiosks. Getting to enjoy views like this on a daily basis really makes my heart sing. I know I am so very lucky.
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