A new Welsh-language documentary tells the story of football in Bangor, charting its decline and rebirth during a year that marks 150 years of the sport in the city.
Ni ’Di Bangor, Aye! explores the significance of football in Bangor, where the game has been played continuously since 1876 and has long been central to local identity. The documentary shows how football has become woven into the fabric of the city, not simply as a sport, but as a shared cultural experience shaped by generations of players, supporters, and volunteers.
Bangor’s football story includes decades of domestic success, notable European matches, and a proud Welsh Cup history, with famous victories and memorable runs that remain vivid in the memories of supporters, young and old.
At the heart of the documentary is the downfall of Bangor City FC, once a significant force in Welsh football. Financial difficulties and ownership issues left supporters fearful for the future of senior football in the city. In response, fans came together in 2019 to form Bangor 1876, a community-owned club created to protect the city’s footballing heritage. The film charts the journey, driven by volunteers, players, and supporters determined to ensure football in Bangor would endure.
Produced for S4C by GAS Media Ltd, the documentary places Bangor’s revival within a wider cultural and historical context.
Bangor secured a place in the Welsh Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Caerau Ely, watched by a crowd of 2,814 – the largest attendance ever recorded at Bangor City Stadium. The result made Bangor the first third-tier club to reach the semi-finals since 2014.
Bangor City Stadium manager Ffion Thomas said the occasion reflected the collective effort behind the club’s progress:
“Welcoming the largest crowd the stadium has ever seen was a huge step forward for the club. The performance on the pitch was outstanding, but the day's success extended far beyond the final score. From early morning preparations to the final whistle, it was the people behind the scenes, the staff and volunteers, who made it happen. Today really showed a city standing shoulder to shoulder behind its team.”
Despite relegation last season, Bangor have bounced back strongly and currently sit at the top of the Ardal North West, the third tier of Welsh football, with promotion firmly in sight and ambitions to return to the Cymru Premier.
Beyond matchdays, the documentary also highlights renewed investment in football infrastructure. Bangor City Stadium has recently become home to the UK’s first 4G artificial pitch, marking another important step in building a sustainable future for the club.
Bangor City 1876 chairman Nick Pritchard said:
“This club has always been about the community first. Bangor’s football story didn’t end; it was carried forward by the people who care about it. We’re building something very special here, and this is just the start.”
The documentary is available to watch on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube.
