Early discussions over plans to mark the auspicious anniversary of the Menai Bridge in January 2026 are starting to get underway. A Menai Bridge museum that helps to chronicle the history of the iconic structure is now looking for people to help out.
Volunteers are needed to get involved with a major celebration to mark the bicentenary of the Menai suspension bridge. The Menai Heritage museum has put out a call for people to get involved and help to plan the forthcoming festivities. It is hoped that the auspicious event could potentially attract crowds of people to the area.
From far and wide
The museum helps keep alive the stories of the Menai Bridge, the Britannia Bridge, and the local area, and features information and an exhibition at the Thomas Telford Centre in the town of Menai Bridge. Menai Heritage Trustee John Cole said: “We are hoping the bicentenary will prove to be a massive celebration, something worthy of Thomas Telford and his pioneering work to develop this world-renowned Menai suspension bridge.”
“The bridge is not only of local interest but also of national and international importance – we hope people will come from far and wide. We would love to hear from people who would like to get involved with the celebration planning and the museum’s work. We’re still in the early days of the discussions yet, but we have started putting the word out. We hope the celebration could include everything from parades, to a flotilla of boats, even a light show, music events, and much, much more.”
A 200-year commemoration of the bridge’s first stone, which was laid on 10 August 1819, was marked by the museum in 2019. But the bicentennial will celebrate the two centuries that have passed since the bridge formally opened on 30 January 1826. That opening event was marked by an excited crowd that gathered to cheer and wave colourful flags to the accompaniment of a band.
The Menai Bridge
According to Cole, the bridge was “the biggest, longest, highest, and most sophisticated of its type in the world at the time of its completion.” Although other bridges would later surpass its design and dimensions, it remains historically relevant as a mark of groundbreaking engineering, which led the way for others to follow.
The Grade I-listed structure was built by Telford, a civil engineer, to improve the journey time between London and the port of Holyhead. The route became important in providing a physical link between London’s parliament and Ireland. Suspended by giant chains, it connects Bangor on the mainland of North Wales to the Isle of Ynys Môn (Anglesey), a distance of 417 metres.
Before the Menai Bridge was built, the only ways to cross the treacherous Menai Strait were to risk walking over at low tide, or to take a ferry across its notorious, swirling waters – which could be equally perilous.
Construction began with the imposing towers, made from limestone hewn from the quarry at Penmon on Ynys Môn and hauled to the site by barge. The bridge was originally supported by four sets of four iron chains. The roadway was deliberately set 100 feet above mean high water to accommodate tall ships.
Designed for use by horses and carts, the Menai Bridge would eventually undergo a number of adaptations as traffic size and volumes increased. It has seen a number of restorations, upgrades, and repair projects over the years, including recent work to replace the hangers.
A unique opportunity
A public engagement event was recently held at the Thomas Telford Centre, where around 40 visitors heard about the project. Attending were representatives from the Welsh Government, UK Highways 55 Ltd, engineering team members, and Menai Heritage trustees and volunteers.
The exhibition included informative boards, 3D bridge models, and a film illustrating phases of the work. Menai Bridge parts were on show, including a hanger and socket. According to organisers, visitors took “a keen interest” in the technicalities, which the engineers were happy to explain.
Organisers also described efforts to protect the special bridge, and highlighted the “unique opportunity” to help maintain its presence for many years to come. Visit the museum at the Thomas Telford Centre in Menai Bridge town, or explore its website and follow it on social media for more information about its work.
