I spent the 2023-24 school year working toward a master’s degree in Arthurian studies—and there’s only one place in the world where you can do that: Bangor, Wales.

Bangor is a terrific community and a place I was proud to call home. Like anywhere else in the world, it comes with its highs and lows. I’ve lived in more than a dozen cities across five US states, France, and England. For me, Bangor ranks near the top.

Of course, that’s just my opinion, and my reasonings are intensely personal. That said, here are some of the reasons why it ranks so high for me, starting with community spirit. I’ll reveal reason #2 in two weeks.

Community Spirit

Bangor is a community whose economy has struggled in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated High Street, and the current cost of living crisis continues to have a major impact on communities across Wales (Cymru). Many local shops are struggling, with several going out of business during my time there. Another posted a sign that must certainly speak for all shop owners, “High Street: Use it or lose it.” 

Despite the blows it has taken, Bangor has a lot to offer—including its resilient community spirit, best exemplified through the care people take for the city: its historic pier, community events, and cultural programming.
 

Garth Pier

Some people grumble at having to pay 50 p entry to Garth Pier. I’m not one of them.

Garth Pier is the second-longest in Wales and beyond providing a fantastic place to take in the scenery, it also serves as a focal point for community life and local events. Instead of a tree-lighting ceremony at Christmas, Bangor has a pier-lighting ceremony complete with an English- and Welsh-language concert by local school kids emceed by a bilingual reverend-turned-Elvis-impersonator dressed as Santa. Other events include Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, the Pier Festival in May, and the Summer Festival in August.

Being on the edge of town and having less light pollution, it was also a gathering point for scores of locals when the Northern Lights made an appearance this spring.

Community Events

Closer to the city centre, Saint David’s Day on March 1 is not to be missed. Known as Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant in Welsh (Cymraeg), it’s a celebration of the national patron saint, and all things Welsh. Accompanied by the Welsh red dragon, a band leads a procession of school children down High Street amidst choruses of traditional Welsh favorites, like Sosban Fach and Calon Lan.

Also in the city centre, there’s a weekly market that occurs every Friday from 10-4. You can buy anything from Welsh cakes and bara brith to fruit and veg, home cleaning products, Jamaican food, jewelry—you name it.

Cultural Programming

Bangor University plays an important role in providing entertainment for the city, primarily through the Pontio Arts & Innovation Centre. In addition to daily movie showings (mainly recent releases, some classics and specials for families on the weekend), they also host concerts, plays, standup, and more.