Season of exciting events and celebrations at Pontio

FOLLOWING a summer of bright weather, Pontio arts and innovation centre in Bangor will present a full programme of events between September and December which celebrate local talents, milestones and influential individuals, and, like the summer weather, encourage you to venture out.

Hold on to those summer vibes at the beginning of the programme with a chaotic and fun circus show, Now or Never by Circa Tsuica from France, joined by the Tryfan Jazz Band, in a big top on Friars field, Coleg Menai, Bangor (13-15 September).

At the end of the month, there’ll be a chance to enjoy performances by Côr Ieuenctid Môn, Gruffydd Wyn Roberts (Britain’s Got Talent), Aelwyd JMJ and Band Pres Llareggub in A Celebratory Concert.

Local band Banda Bacana will be the first to perform in the Cabaret Pontio series as they launch their new album, Stop the Planet.

Pontio will also welcome Jamie Smith’s Mabon from Wales, Frigg from Finland and Fara from Scotland.

There will be three stand-up gigs; Public Service Broadcasting, which is already sold out, Candelas, Fleur De Lys and Ffracas on October 20 and Geraint Jarman will perform on November 10 following the recent release of his new album, Cariad Cwantwm.

Tudur Owen returns as one of November Comedy Club’s comedians amongst a Black Boy Inn, Caernarfon: 1st Sun: Geraint Lovgreen, 3rd Thurs: Folk. 01286 673 604. Y Pengwern, Llan Ffestiniog: Mon 8.30pm: Pub Quiz. Edinburgh Castle, Holyhead: Fri: Karaoke. Weds & Sun: Carvery. T: 01407 762 015. Llanberis Social Club: Live ent: Aug 18 - Cameron Williams, 01286 872 027 Douglas Arms, Bethesda: Quiz 2nd Tues 7.30pm. T: 01248 600 219. fantastic line up of comedians who are touring the UK.

The one and only Rich Hall returns to the Theatre on 18 October. Liverpool Arms, Menai Bridge: Weds: Quiz 9pm. Sun: Music Quiz 9.30pm. T: 01248 712 453. The Valley, Anglesey: Food everyday 12-9, Sun Carvery 12-4. Garden bar, play area. Bingo, 3rd Weds, 7.15. T: 01407 740 203. Breeze Hill Hotel, Benllech: Thurs 9pm: Charity Quiz. T: 01248 852 308. Old Market Hall, Caernarfon: Fri: karaoke/band night. Sat: DJ. 1st Sun: poker. Anglesey Arms, Caernarfon: Thurs: open Mic. Sat: Live Music. T: 01286 672 158. The Owain Glyndŵr, Llanddona: Tues, Fish & chips.

There’ll be much laughter in the monthly family shows as well, going from strength to strength with many families enjoying the creative workshops with local artists which follow the shows.

To continue with the National Health Service’s 70th birthday celebrations, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s new production, Nyrsys, will open at Pontio on November 6, with script and songs created from interviews with ‘real’ nurses.

There will also be plenty to entertain the family in the run-up to Christmas, with Cwmni Mega staging the well-known tale from the Mabinogi, Branwen in a pantomime production and Pontio and Theatr Clwyd presenting their first co-production, a magical festive show called Llew a’r Crydd.

Tickets for all events went on sale on August 1 and are available from pontio.co.uk or 01248 38 28 28. Sign up at pontio.co.uk to receive a programme or visit the centre. Fri, Curry. £5pp, 5-8. T: 01248 810 710. Tap & Spile, Bangor: Tues, free prize quiz 9.30. Monthly open mic. T: 01248 370 835. French Conversation, Thurs, 7-9pm. Details: jannieu@tiscali.co.uk The Bull Inn, Bethesda: Weds 9pm, Jam Session. T: 01248 600 438. Pant-yr-Ardd, Tregarth: Tues, 9pm, Bingo.T: 01248 600 057. Bangor City Football Club: North Wales Guitar Circle meets 7.45pm, second Tuesday of month. Details: 01407 831 480. Patrick’s Bar, Bangor: Sunday and Mondays, karaoke night. 01248 353 062.