The festival, first held in 2000, has quickly established itself as one of the major events of the year on the North Wales calendar, with great open-air music over the August Bank Holiday weekend - each night culminating in a magnificent firework display.
The setting of the Vaynol Park, just outside Bangor, provides a natural amphitheatre, with the mountains of Snowdonia offering a unique backdrop to the stage.
Members of the audience can turn up hours before the main performance to enjoy a picnic in the grounds, a browse round the stalls and more informal entertainment.
The festival was extended to four nights for the first time in 2005, starting on the Friday. On the first three nights there's a choice of seated or promenade tickets, but on Monday the seats are whipped away to create more of a pop festival atmosphere.
The Faenol Festival is run by a trust and, for the first time in 2006, the BBC became the official broadcast partner.
your comments
Mary, Irish, Rhondda
Thank you BBC Wales for broadcasting this festival, every year I value and appreciate viewing the entertainment on TV, huge thanks.
Tue Aug 26 10:47:44 2008
gerry from ireland
Arrived with 2 friends to see Shirley Bassey here with nothing only our shirts. It rained from the heavens but it was the best atmosphere and best concert i have ever been to. We still talk about. would advise alittle more preparation than us but great laugh. What a setting.Keep up the good work. Oh and please bring back Shirley.
Thu Jul 3 09:25:40 2008
Mark Lord, Oswestry, Shropshire
The Hills are Alive was quite simply the best gig i have ever been to. All 5 performers are at the top of their game and the finale of One Day More was stunningthank you Bryn for your vision in bringing this quality of entertainment to a beautiful location within our reach. Please please please stick with a "musicals" night in future years
Mon Sep 17 10:06:39 2007
Sue Callaghan from Chester
A first timer and to be honest I was not fussed about going. How wrong I was (I attended Sunday night's performance with Michael Ball, Connie Fisher). It was one of the best evenings I have had for years. I am definitely coming back next year. Thank you Bryn for bringing world talent to North Wales and long may it continue.
Wed Aug 29 09:26:35 2007
Bob Bolland
For the first time we came by caravan. The location was excellent but maybe next year the cows could be moved out earlier because those with tents and awnings had a problem finding clean areas, the bouquet around the bedroom areas were not of the highest quality. Also could you possibly cut down the docks etc and make the site more acceptable. Also the toilets were totally inadequate. When they came to empty the toilets the driver got stuck in the mud and we pulled him out, extremely entertaining during breakfast time. Despite this we will be back next year.
Tue Aug 29 13:54:49 2006
Julia O'Regan, Cork
What is the nearest airport to the festival?
Is it hard to find accommodation?
Web team: You'll find links to airports and tourist information in our Traffic and Travel section.
Mon Jul 10 09:47:02 2006
Lin Brindley Monmouth
We watched in awe as Andreas and Bryn sang together. It was our first experience of opera and it was magical. Take your own seats and plenty to keep you warm (inside & out!).
We will be back.
Tue Feb 21 21:54:42 2006
Christa Hans from Trier, Germany
I enjoyed hearing the Welsh language spoken. It was better than reading it in a book or on a CD ROM. I couldn't understand so much, but the sound of this wonderful language had touched my soul. I had learnt the lyrics of the Welsh songs before I came so I could sing with Bryn and all the other people. And this was a wonderful experience for me. I'll never forget it.
Mon Sep 12 16:28:01 2005
David Goadby from Bryncroes, Gwynedd
Take a picnic, some chairs, a waterproof coat and perhaps a brolly. We have visited every year since the start. Last year we added Jamie Cullom as well - fantastic. This year we have tickets for Friday and Sunday; next year we will stay on site for all 4! We are Welsh learners but no one will be intimidated by the language as everyone is in good heart! Better value for money you will not find anywhere for such artists in such a perfect setting. With Snowdon as a backdrop you are in heaven for 5 hours!
PS. Learn the words to Land of my Fathers and be prepared to feel quite humble...
Thu Aug 25 15:50:33 2005
Angela Davies, Cardiff
Is it permitted to take your own chairs to the Faenol Festival concerts?
Tue Jun 14 09:36:54 2005
Yvonne from Wirral
I have been to all the festivals, they are superbly organised. Some people prefer to sit whilst others prefer to picnic. If you don't like sitting on the grass - book a seat. The music is of a superb standard, the fact that Bryn has worked to bring huge international talent to Wales is something we are all grateful for. I, and many thousands of others will be back this year - despite the possibility of rain - who can forget the downpour on the way out of the first year? We will all be there to enjoy fabulous music, spectacular scenery and a wonderful atmosphere.
Thu Apr 8 16:14:27 2004
