Friends of Belan Association
'Conserving the past for a creative future'
Recent event
Sunday 8th October 2023
- A celebration of 'Our Heritage' We flew the flag and fired the cannon to mark the Fort becoming a member of the Historic Historic Houses Association!
- The Anglesey Hussars played an important role by welcoming the visitors at the main gate and pointing out some of the fort's most interesting features. The Hussars have now established a small barracks in the forge area and are able to demonstrate the way of life in 1775 when the 'Caernarfonshire Militia Volunteers' garrisoned the Abermenai bar
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When the barracks was extended in 1824 it was re-named Fort St David and was then garrisoned by the 'Loyal Newborough Volunteers'.
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The name was subsequently chaged twice more, in 1840 becaming known as Belan Fort and when opened to the public in 1977 the name was changed again, this time to Fort Belan.
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The fort is proud to be currently ‘garrisoned’ by The Anglesey Hussars, another voluntary organisation.
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A packed audience heard Phil Godsal, Chair of the Welsh branch of the HHA, give an introductory talk about the Association. He was keen to visit the fort and had offered to give an introductory talk. This provided an ideal opportunity to combine his visit with a celebration of the fort becoming a member and to enable us all to learn more about the Association.
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To add further interest to the day, this was followed by an illustrated lecture by Jeremy Rye, who has a tremendous knowledge of Welsh historic houses. It was entitled “Wales built Heritage, lost, in danger and saved”. It was sad to see photographs of so many unusual and fantastic houses which no longer remain, and a reminder that work has to be ongoing if the historic houses which remain are not to suffer the same fate and be lost to future generation.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.
Extemporised/Jamming Music Weekend Mid February 2022.
Serious weather coniditions coupled with flood warnings reduced the expected number of players at this gathering. Even so there were several guitars, an accordian, double bass, nyckleharpa, harp and harmonica as well as a singer. There was also a huge gong!
A nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string. it is closely related to the hurdy-gurdy, both employing key-actuated tangents to change the pitch. Here it is played by Julia Everett.
Filming at the Fort.
Please follow the link above. The Fort was chosen by S4C as the venue to film the performances of three bands for the Eisteddfod which is being held virtually again this year. These included Bryn Fôn and his band from the Eisteddfod Gudd.
Cyfle arall i weld Bryn Fôn a’r Band o’r Eisteddfod Gudd. Ffilmiwyd yng Nghaer y Belan, ger Caernarfon.
The Red Fort! Lit from above by drones
Music Week 2021 (July) We had a wonderful week!
This was the 25th year that we have gathered together for this annual event when a few days are set aside in the Fort diary for friends and musicians from all over the country to come and indulge their passion for chamber music playing.
In 2020 we managed a 'mini' music week with just six socially distanced players who lived mostly in solitary confinement occupying a house on their own! This year approached normality and a week of almost continuous sunshine allowed plenty of fresh air into the Music Room and occasional singing and playing outside. We were all so happy to be together and making music again but were sad that a few long-time 'Music Weekers' were unable to be with us.
Madrigals on the lawn. Led by Pip Huw Davies.
Liz Mark Jordan and Christopher. Hammer dulcimer, pipe and viola da gamba (plucked)
Hover over 'Fort News' to see the photo album of past events.