Saints, tune and sanctuary: Bangor Cathedral brings its history to the phase

Ysgol Glanaethwy and buddies provide a brand-new production by Cefin Roberts, turning Bangor Cathedral into the phase for its own story.

Bangor Cathedral will end up being the phase for its own 1500-year story this October, with a brand-new theatre production exploring its past and present as a location of sanctuary and haven.

Composed and directed by Cefin Roberts, Dinas Noddfa– City of Refuge functions entertainers from Ysgol Glanaethwy together with a neighborhood cast and regional choirs. Through drama, music and tune, the Welsh-language production will take audiences from the sixth-century neighborhood established by St Deiniol to the Bangor these days.

Dinas Noddfa ways “City of Refuge” or “City of Sanctuary”. The title links Bangor’s starts with a concern going through the production: what does it suggest to discover welcome, shelter and belonging in the city today?

The story starts when Mark and Ruth, a young couple from Bangor, action inside the Cathedral to get away the cold. As they check out, figures from the Cathedral’s previous appear around them, exposing the story of the structure and the city that grew around it.

The production relocations in between previous and present, with modifications in drama and musical design marking the passing centuries. St Deiniol ultimately ends up being Daniel, a boy inviting visitors to the Cathedral today.

The Cathedral itself is the main character, offering audiences the possibility to experience its history in the location where it unfolded.

3 efficiencies will occur on 30 and 31 October.

Cefin Roberts is a Welsh author, star and director of music and theatre. With his spouse, Rhian, he established Ysgol Glanaethwy, whose choir ended up being familiar to tv audiences through BBC One’s Last Choir Standing in 2008 and ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent in 2015. Côr Glanaethwy likewise won Choir of the World at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 2024.

Signing up with the cast and chorus are Côr Cofnod from Caernarfon and Côr Hogia’r Ddwylan, with members from both sides of the Menai Strait.

Cefin states, “When I accepted the difficulty of producing a program to commemorate this unique anniversary in the history of Bangor Cathedral, I understood from the beginning that it would be a huge production in every sense of the word. When I found that it included such vibrant characters as St David, Dafydd ap Gwilym, Owain Glyndŵr, Queen Elizabeth I, and Bishop John Warren (who had actually a handgun focused on him throughout one especially unstable duration in the cathedral’s history), I understood I had a legendary on my hands.

At the heart of this story are those who roam around the edges of Bangor Cathedral, individuals who are continuously looking for haven and sanctuary. Through dance, tune, and drama, we wish to bring all these vibrant stories together in a theatrical occasion deserving of the event.

Bishop of Bangor Manon Ceridwen James states, “Welcome and hospitality have actually belonged to the Christian story in Bangor considering that St Deiniol established his neighborhood here 1500 years earlier. They stay main to our faith and to the Cathedral’s life today.

“I’m eagerly anticipating seeing this production bring Bangor’s history to life. It will commemorate our Christian heritage and welcome us to consider how we provide welcome and sanctuary to individuals today.”

Bangor grew around the Christian neighborhood developed by St Deiniol around Advertisement 525. Its name originates from the bangoror wattled enclosure, which surrounded the early settlement.

The production follows the Cathedral’s 1500^th anniversary events in 2025. It explores its continuing location in the city, including its function in inviting and supporting individuals looking for food, business and a safe location.

Performances occur at Bangor Cathedral on Friday 30 October at 7.30 pm and Saturday 31 October at 2pm and 7.30 pm.

The production is mostly in Welsh. Welsh students are extremely welcome.

Tickets are readily available at Dinas Noddfa|City of Refuge Tickets, Multiple dates|Eventbrite