Garth Pier Songsmith

The Garth Pier Songsmith can be found at the end of the pier, in the last pavilion on the right, as a repair of thirteen missing shingles on the pavilion roof skirting.

The pier, opened in 1896, is today one of the three finest surviving piers in Great Britain. It was very popular in the past but now it stands in disrepair, facing an uncertain future. The Garth Pier Songsmith sings a song of memories, moments and stories of the characters and events that connect to the pier over time.

In many ways the pier is a magical place, a place where the past can be felt in the present. Experiences change on the pier as does the weather, sometimes it’s happy, sometimes its sad, it depends who is coming to the pier and what the pier means to them. It tends to steel your heart either way.

This story is composed from Burchell’s encounters with the local store and tea-room keepers on the Pier, the seven past mayors of Bangor City and musicians, composers and singers who’s work has been inspired by the pier.

Contributors: John Martin (Mayor of Bangor city 1998/2001), Doug Madge (2006/2013), Doreen Madge, Derek Hainge (1998/2007), Eve Butler (1995/2015), June Marshell (2003), Keith Marshell (1996), Mared Emlyn (harp), Wyn Thomas (narrator), Terry Thomas (narrator, guitar and song), Caenwen (narrator), Hedd Thomas (Composer Si hei lwli’ mabi), Bangor University Chamber Choir (song).