St David’s Festival At Bangor

Bangor will come alive this spring as a city-wide St David’s Festival takes place from 18 February to 5 March 2026, with a packed programme of events co-ordinated by Menter Iaith in partnership with local groups and venues.

The extended festival will celebrate the Welsh language and culture through music, heritage walks, food, parades, family activities and community events, welcoming fluent Welsh speakers, learners and the wider public.

Meirion Owen, Menter Iaith Bangor, said: “This festival is about bringing the Welsh language out into the heart of the city and making it visible, welcoming and fun for everyone. Whether you’re a fluent speaker or just starting your Welsh journey, we want people to feel that Bangor is a place where the language belongs to all of us.”

Events will be held across the city, including pubs, museums, community hubs, historic landmarks and the pier. Many activities are free to attend, with several delivered through the medium of Welsh in a supportive, learnerfriendly atmosphere.

Highlights include a free afternoon concert at Storiel, guided heritage walks marking 200 years since the construction of the Menai Bridge, family activities at Penrhyn Castle, an international parade and twmpath, and St David’s Day celebrations at Bangor Pier, featuring live music throughout the afternoon and a fireworks display in the evening.

The festival will conclude with Gŵyl Non, celebrating Welsh women, literature and music, with events at Pontio and a live gig at Tafarn y Nelson.

Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director, said: “Bangor has a proud cultural heritage, and events like this show the strength of community spirit in the city. It’s fantastic to see organisations working together to celebrate our language, history and identity in such an inclusive way.”

People of all ages are encouraged to get involved by attending events, joining walks and parades, bringing families along, or participating as part of a school, community group, or organisation. Welsh learners are warmly welcomed throughout. Some activities require advance booking, with details available via Eventbrite and venue websites.

MKM Bangor is the main sponsor of the festival this year, supporting the delivery of events across the city.

Full List of Events

18 February • Welsh-language Quiz Night (Peint a Sgwrs) – Blue Sky Bach, 7–9pm (Booking Not Required)

20–27 February • 16+ Game Creation Challenge – M-SParc (24-hour creative gaming event)

21 February • Free Afternoon Concert: Osgled – Contemporary Welsh music by Bethan Ruth, Storiel, 2pm - Book Here • Guided Heritage Walk – Bangor Cathedral to Bryn Celli Ddu, including church history and Menai Bridge 200 Book Here

23–27 February • Free Welsh Food – HWB Bangor, daily 10am-2pm (Booking Not Required)

25 February • Public Lecture: The Murder of Llywelyn - The 1282 Conspiracy - Storiel, 2pm Book Here

26 February • Treasure Hunt and Song - Cymraeg i Blant, Penrhyn Castle (with indoor storytelling and song at Penrhyn Hall as backup), 10am Book Here

28 February • Heritage Walk to Porth Penrhyn - led by Rhys Mwyn. The walk is free but booking is essential.

Contact penrhyncastle@nationaltrust.org.uk / 01248 353084 Includes: Slate Splitting and Cutting Demonstration (National Slate Museum) , a Guided Tour of Penrhyn Castle, International Parade and Twmpath (Folk Dancing) - with Angharad Harrop and Sbri • Parade from the Clock to the Cathedral to celebrate 'Modern Wales' - The parade will be a fusion of Welsh and international groups. International groups will promote their individual cultures in the Cathedral between 1pm and 3 pm

1 March – St David’s Day • Live Music and Celebrations - Garth Pier Bangor, 12–6pm (Free Event) • Fireworks Display - 6pm

2 March • Community Parade - Maesgeirchen

4 March • City-Centre Procession - Primary and Secondary Schools, 1-2.30pm (open to the public)

5 March • Gŵyl Non - Celebrating Welsh Women, Literature and Culture - Pontio, 6– 8pm • Dewi and Non Gig - Tafarn y Nelson, from 8pm