Dathlu 10/SSiW 10th B'day party - INFO ONLY

This is a no reply thread/message containing all the info you may need regarding the 10th birthday celebrations this coming weekend…

Dates - The celebrations will begin on the evening of Friday the 31st of May 2019 and end on Sunday the 2nd of June 2019.

Location - The celebrations will take place in Caernarfon and mainly in the Galeri .

What’s happening -

  • The first evening on Friday the 31st of May - 6.30pm - 11pm - an informal and fun gig and hog roast evening at the Galeri, with Heno ffilming live for S4C!!!.

  • Saturday the 1st of June - 10am - 3pm - A variety of activities in and around Caernarfon - you will need your Friday night wristbands for the Owen Shiers gig.

  • The second evening on Saturday the 1st of June - 6.30pm - 11pm - The main, formal SSiW 10th birthday party.

  • The second day, Sunday the 2nd of June - Guests are free to come together as they wish and socialise once more before departing.

Here’s some additional info on the location -

Caernarfon has fabulous bus links and Bangor Train station is just 20 minutes away. Caernarfon is a beautiful waterside town with so much interesting history. You’ll be able to roam it’s narrow streets within the castle walls, enjoy it’s magnificent castle, ancient roman remains and a stunning waterside walk looking out over Anglesey. This vibrant town is packed full of Welsh, locally run shops, from galleries to bookshops, delis to craft shops. Along it’s varied streets you will find artisan chocolate shops, gift shops, local hand made and award winning jewellery, ice cream parlours, a Dutch pancake cafe, Welsh bars, Welsh restaurants and so much more. The town boasts the smallest bar in Wales and the waterside pub, The Anglesey, where Aran and I met for the first time on a blind date!

Here’s some additional info on the venue -

The Galeri itself is a not for profit community enterprise operating as a Development Trust and a hub of Welsh culture. It is sittuated right in the heart of Doc Fictoria/Victoria Dock and overlooks the harbour. It is a creative enterprise organising annually between 400 – 500 events, with ticket sales of over 40,000 consistently. Galeri’s artistic programme includes a range of art-forms including theatre, film, music, dance, talks, literature, exhibitions, workshops and short courses. It has a fabulous cafe bar with a wonderful atmosphere and several studios/function rooms.

For those arriving early and wanting to explore -

Stryd y Plas in Caernarfon is a great place to explore. It is where Palas Print , our all time favourite bookshop is located. You’ll find quirky shops and restaurants and plenty of opportunities to use your Welsh.

On Stryd y Plas you’ll also find Llety Arall . Ty Siocled, an artisan chocolate shop. Siop Manon, a colourful vintage shop run by Manon Elis who used to play Michelle on Rownd a Rownd. Siop Iard who sell hand made designer Welsh jewellry. Scoops a dutch pancake house. Bonta Deli a wonderful little delicatessen. Art shops, the Market Bar and much more.

Another great place to practice your Welsh is Na-Nog book and gift shop on the maes.

A drink (and possibly a meal) at the Black Boy Inn which dates back to the early 16th century (the inn and not the food), is a must, as well as a visit to the Bar Bach - the smallest pub in Wales.

Other fab watering holes and places to dine include, Ty Glyndwr , who serve great cocktails I’m told. Ty Castell are great for Welsh tapas. Ouzo and Olive are a fabulous and reasonably priced Greek restaurant. Osteria serve Italian food and amazing sharing platters. Wal has good food and a great atmosphere. Stones Bistro pride themselves in their steaks and seafood. Copa on the Maes are popular with the youger generation - they are a modern pub serving pub food in a lively and colourful environment.

If it’s good weather, then I highly recommend sitting on the wall outside The Anglesey pub with a glass in hand, looking out over the Menai Straits towards Ynys Mon.

For fabulous Cantonese dining, Fu’s is a must!

if your feeling frivolous and really want to push the boat out, the Gun Room just outside Caernarfon is spectacular.

Fancy seeing more of the coastline? Then book a trip on The Queen of the Sea. She and her Welsh speaking staff will take you along the Menai on a relaxing trip where you can see the mountains of Eryri in the background.

If you feel like a pamper, my regular hairdressers One.A are fab. They’re friendly and efficient and have Welsh speaking staff! They also do nails and make-up! But book fast as they’re very popular.

Of course you can always visit The Galeri. check this link for what’s on at the cinema that week. They also have art exhibitions, and restaurant and bar area with outside seating.

Should you have forgotten any essentials, Caernarfon also have a Boots, a pharmacy/chemists, a Tesco/Morrisons/Asda, Peacocks, Home Bargains… and should you have made the mistake of leaving your frock at home, there are about four or five good charity shops… :wink:

About the ‘Smart Dress’ code for Saturday evening -

Is is true that this will be the poshest SSiW party we’ve ever had, after all it is the big 10! It is also true that I will look for any opportunity to wear a posh frock and sparkly shoes. But it is also true that SSiW has always been friendly, welcoming, all inclusive and accommodating - a place where every one can be themselves.

We decided not to opt for a strict evening dress/tux function as we knew that this would make many feel uncomfortable and incur unnecessary costs for guests.

Therefore our dress ‘guide’ is smart, but come in whatever makes you feel comfortable and helps you to enjoy the evening.

Aran and Beuno will be in a shirt and tie, waistcoat and jacket - which means they’ll spend much of the evening in shirt, tie and waistcoat. Angharad and I will be in evening gowns. My mother will be in a sparkly top and trousers ensemble and my father in a suit and bow tie.

To give you an idea of the venue - we are hiring the theatre at the Galeri. The room will be fully draped and professionally lit with their starry backdrop. It will be set up in a banquet style and the tables will be decorated - hopefully giving a sense of occasion and luxury and making our guests feel special.

Our aim is for the whole evening to be memorable, for it to feel like a momentous occasion and have a sense of sparkle. We want each and every guests to really enjoy themselves, to feel relaxed and to have fun amongst friends.

So here’s a link to the full itinerary, which includes maps and FAQs
(Please note that this is a live link and any last minute changes will appear automatically)

THE FULL WEEKEND ITINERARY

Please read all the details in the itinerary. Diolch! :slight_smile:

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