New exhibition captures Bangor back in the 1960s

By The Newsroom
Published 9th Oct 2020, 08:00 BST
Bangor McKee clock in colour from the 1960s. Picture courtesy of North Down Museum, BangorBangor McKee clock in colour from the 1960s. Picture courtesy of North Down Museum, Bangor
Bangor McKee clock in colour from the 1960s. Picture courtesy of North Down Museum, Bangor
‘Bangor in the ’60s’ is a new exhibition which has opened at North Down Museum, Bangor, highlighting this vibrant era in the town’s history, writes Darryl Armitage.

After the years of rationing and hardship which followed the Second World War, the ’60s brought a cultural and scientific revolution.

From “one giant leap for mankind” and Concorde’s first flight to peace rallies and Beatlemania, the decade was filled with iconic moments in history. Bangor was booming too, offering something for every age.

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With thriving businesses, a great location, modern amenities, desirable housing and new primary schools, it was the perfect place for families.

The North Down Museum in Bangor are currently appealing for more material relating to this iconic period. Museum assistant Leanne Briggs said: “We would love to hear any stories you might have and welcome donations which would enable us to tell the story of our borough.”The North Down Museum in Bangor are currently appealing for more material relating to this iconic period. Museum assistant Leanne Briggs said: “We would love to hear any stories you might have and welcome donations which would enable us to tell the story of our borough.”
The North Down Museum in Bangor are currently appealing for more material relating to this iconic period. Museum assistant Leanne Briggs said: “We would love to hear any stories you might have and welcome donations which would enable us to tell the story of our borough.”

Barry’s Amusements on the South Pier offered plenty of fun for the smaller children, under the watchful eye of Mrs Delino, while teenagers could take part in talent competitions at Pickie and The Tonic.

Bangor also hosted an impressive range of musical icons. Alongside the more traditional bands performing at ‘Caps’, the Queen’s Court held cabaret-style shows with acts like the Drifters.

Major modern acts also performed in the town; Milano’s hosted concerts by Dusty Springfield and the Kinks, while pop-up clubs, such as the Electric Honeypot offered more psychedelic music for the trendy teens.

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The exhibition looks at the town through a variety of original material, from Barry’s Amusement signs and ‘Caps’ tickets, to visitor guides, postcards, photographs and theatre programmes. A more unusual piece on display is the original candyfloss machine from the ice-cream shop at the Sunken Gardens.

The museum recently launched an appeal for local people to donate any items they may have from the 1960s to enhance its collection.

Museum assistant Leanne Briggs said: ‘The 1960s was a really exciting time in Bangor; it was definitely the place to be. It’s been amazing to discover the events and activities which took place in the town during this iconic decade; I wish I’d had the chance to see it myself.

“This exhibition is an opportunity for people to take a trip down memory lane and we would encourage people to call in and see it.

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“We are currently appealing for more material relating to this iconic period.

“We would love to hear any stories you might have and welcome donations which would enable us to tell the story of our borough.

“If you think you have any material or memories which may be of interest, please contact the museum on 028 9127 1200.”

The exhibition is open in North Down Museum’s Community Gallery until spring 2021.

For more information, visit:  https://andculture.org.uk/

r Is there a historical place in Northern Ireland that you think that I should explore? Email: [email protected]

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