Programme for 2nd November 2025
After months of planning, things are now really taking shape for the Dolgarrog 100 event, marking the anniversary of the 1925 Dolgarrog Dam Disaster.
The Community Council are delighted to share with you the provisional schedule for the day and hope that you will be able to join us in marking this historic event. There is something for everyone here; Art, Music, History, celebration of nature and this wonderful part of the world that we live in and on top of that, a world premiere!!
The day will start at 2pm.
Dolgarrog Past, Present and Future: There will be an archive exhibition at St. Mary’s, Dolgarrog tracing the history of the 1925 tragedy accompanied by an art exhibition reflecting the intervening years since the event, you will have an opportunity here to add your own thoughts about the way forward for the village.
The Community Centre will be hosting a display on the history of Hydro Power in the village from 2pm until 3pm along with a film loop of the film: Dolgarrog Now. The Community Centre will then host the reception for our special guests from 3.15pm.
COG Dolgarrog will be hosting, in conjunction with the Northern Eye Photographic Festival, a unique photographic exhibition Now Dolgarrog. Opening on 11th October from 2-4pm with a soft launch of the Dolgarrog 100 programme.
There will also be a special afternoon tea for the older residents of the community (invitation only) at the Ixora from 2-4pm.
At the Memorial Gardens from 2pm until 3.30pm there will be an opportunity to walk through the site of the disaster and reflect on the 100 years of regrowth since that terrible event. The walks will be animated with live performances along the way.
At 4pm the road will be closed between Tal y Bont and Dolgarrog for the evening’s special events.
At 4.20pm a lantern parade will leave St. Mary’s Church, Dolgarrog and proceed to the Cenotaph where there will be a plaque unveiling ceremony and short and moving commemoration service which will include contributions from community members and the debut of the Dolgarrog Community Choir.
At the end of the service we will move to the Memorial Gardens for the premiere of “Argraff” which is a specially commissioned piece of music for Dolgarrog.
The day will end at around 6.15 with the switching on of the Commemorative Lights hand crafted by Vicky Buxton who lives on the disaster site. These beautiful lanterns will be gifted to the Community of Dolgarrog and sited permanently around the village.
The day will end at 6.15pm and the road will be opened as soon as possible.
Dolgarrog 100: Get Involved in the Centenary Commemorations
On Sunday 2nd November 2025, our community will come together to mark 100 years since the Dolgarrog Dam Disaster – an event that shaped our village. This anniversary is our chance to reflect on the past, honour those we lost, and celebrate the strength and spirit of Dolgarrog today.
Events will run 2.00 – 6.30pm across various venues and locations in Dolgarrog. Over the past year, Dolgarrog Community Council and Caru Dolgarrog Community Group have been working with other partner organisations to create a meaningful programme for the day. With only a few weeks to go, we’d love you to get involved and help make the centenary unforgettable.
🌱 How You Can Take Part:
🎶 Join the Community Choir – St Mary’s Church
Whether you are a seasoned singer or never sung before, would you like you to join in? Our first “get together” will be on the 13th September at St. Mary’s Church, Dolgarrog at 10am. Not sure? Well come along and try – there is no obligation. More details? Ring Jackie Ley on 07590 568893 or email ruth@ruffyarts.com.
🗓 10am–1pm on 27th September, 11th & 25th October, and 2nd November
🖋 Ruth is also running a writers workshop running up to the event. More details from Ruth on email above.
🎨 Help Create Our Exhibition – Art Group at Canolfan Porthllywd
Every Thursday evening, 6–8pm. Be part of the special Dolgarrog exhibition at St Marys Church.
🏮 Lantern Making – Canolfan Porthllywd
Weds 24th September, Sat 4th October, Weekend 24th–25th October, 10am–4pm
🌸 Garden Club & Planning Meeting – St Mary’s Church Gardens
Weds 24th September: our last garden club of the year plus a meeting to plan for next year. All welcome!
💬 Caru Dolgarrog Public Meeting – Canolfan Porthllywd
1st October, 6.30–7.30pm: Come and find out more about Dolgarrog 100 and how you can take part.
📸 Photography Exhibition Launch – Cog Dolgarrog Gallery
11th October: Launch of “Now Dolgarrog” exhibition & the Dolgarrog 100 programme
🌿 Memorial Grounds Working Party
2nd October, 10am–4pm: Bring wellies & gardening gloves for a big tidy-up ahead of the centenary
🖥 Build Our Digital Archive
9th & 10th October: Help build and populate our special Caru Dolgarrog photography website
🔗 Add your memories here
🍰 Do you know of someone elderly with a strong connection to Dolgarrog? See if they are eligible for the afternoon tea – email Nikki Mills (nikkimills73@live.co.uk)
🧶 Like Knitting and Crochet? Come along to Knit and Natter and see what they are doing for our special day? Every Thursday from 1-3pm.
📚 Institution of Civil Engineers Talk – Community Centre
Thursday 30th October (evening - time TBC): A special technical talk live-streamed locally
💛 Be Part of Dolgarrog 100
Whether you’re singing, crafting, digging or sharing your memories, there’s a place for everyone in the centenary commemorations. Come along, meet your neighbours, and help us honour the past while celebrating Dolgarrog’s future.
For more information, keep an eye on our website and social media, or get in touch with Dolgarrog Community Council. https://www.dolgarrogcommunitycouncil.org
Or just come along on the day and enjoy.
Our Memories. Our Day. Our Dolgarrog.
