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 fantastic line up of comedians who are touring the UK.

The one and only Rich Hall returns to the Theatre on 18 October.

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.