THE National Piers Society (NPS) has announced that its coveted annual prize will this year go to Bangor Garth, which coincides with the Grade II listed structure continuing its 125th anniversary celebrations from last year.

Cromer and Colwyn Bay Piers were voted in second and third place respectively.

Bangor Garth is known for its panoramic views, looking out towards Anglesey with the Menai Strait and Menai Bridge to its left, Llandudno to its right and behind it, the mountainous skyline of Snowdonia.

It has also retained its Victorian toll booths, and visitors are welcomed along its deck by brightly painted kiosks that now provide a home for small enterprises in the area.

Under its distinctive silver onion dome, the pavilion at the end also offers homemade refreshments.

Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, plans to mark 125 years since Bangor Garth’s opening on May 14, 1896 have been extended into a year-long programme of events.

These celebrations also mark the culmination of a £1million project, begun in 2017, to completely restore the 1,500ft-long structure.

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The pier now also has its own “Friends” group, launched in 2020.

Working in partnership with Bangor City Council, this charity has already proved its worth, and NPS members commented on the friendly and welcoming atmosphere on the pier.

Avril Wayte, chair of Friends of Bangor Garth Pier, said: “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 125th anniversary 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, added: “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 a 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.

“It is a huge honour for us to receive this recognition and be championed amongst all the piers in the UK.”

President of the NPS, 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, also said: “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!”