Bangor Pier is Pier of the Year 2022
The National Piers Society (NPS) has just announced that its coveted annual prize will go to BANGOR GARTH PIER, ‘a fitting achievement for this Grade II* listed Welsh pier in its 125th year.’
Described by the NPS members as:
‘A Perfect Pier in a Perfect Setting’
‘It is beautiful and tempting in all kinds of weather. Always clears my head when I walk down it!’
President of the National Piers Society, Gavin Henderson said: ‘Congratulations to Bangor Garth – such a well-deserved Pier of the Year, and full marks to all its dedicated supporters in restoring this wonderful structure to its original glory.’
The Society’s Chairman, Tim Wardley, alsosent his ‘Congratulations to Bangor Garth – a most worthy winner and a beautiful pier in the wonderful setting of North Wales, appreciated and loved by locals and visitors alike. Through its restoration over recent years its local authority owners have shown how much they value the pier as an asset to local tourism. I look forward to visiting soon to present the pier and its loyal team of volunteer helpers and staff their award. Three cheers for Bangor Garth!’
Chair of Friends of Bangor Garth Pier Avril Wayte said in response to the fantastic news: ‘We are overwhelmed and absolutely delighted to be awarded Pier of the Year 2022 – this is beyond our wildest dreams, and we can’t wait to welcome the world to our pier. We have a whole calendar of events planned for 2022, including for the Jubilee Weekend – come and join us!
This last year has been quite a year for Bangor Garth Pier – so many things to celebrate, including the pier’s 125thanniversary in 2021. As a result of wonderful team efforts by Bangor City Council, Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, and the pier’s kiosk holders, our pier is the jewel in the crown of Bangor.
For me, the best part of it all is the vibrancy than now surrounds our pier, in no small part due to our team of 50-plus dedicated volunteers who work on the pier, day in day out, and in all weathers. A real community effort.’
Cllr Owen Hurcum, Mayor of Bangor remarked that ‘Anyone who knows our wonderful pier will surely not be surprised at the news it has won Pier of the Year 2022 – they perhaps will be more surprised it doesn’t win every year! Being serious though, it is such an honour for our pier and testament to all the hard work put into it by so many.
It is so rewarding that the work and expense that Bangor City Council have put into saving it (twice now), and keeping it as a public attraction, and of course the tireless and amazing work done by the newly formed Friends of Bangor Garth Pier and their volunteers has been recognised, and it is a huge honour for us to receive this recognition and be championed amongst all the piers in the UK.’