Bells heard at Betws-y-Coed church after 150 years

Bells were rung for a service at St Mary’s Church in Betws-y-Coed for the first time on Easter Day, marking the completion of a long-running project to install a full ring in the tower.

More than 150 people attended the family Eucharist and blessing of lambs, where the bells were rung before the service. The project completes plans dating back over 150 years, when the church was first built with provision for a full ring.

Eight of the bells were transferred from St John’s Church in Porthmadog following its closure, alongside the restoration of the church’s original 1873 bell.

Revd Stuart Elliott said the day marked both a celebration of Easter and the culmination of years of work.

“With over 150 people packed into St Mary’s Church for a special service, Easter Sunday 2026 in Betws-y-Coed was a beautiful celebration of the miracle of Easter and the culmination of many years planning to bring a ring of bells to the church.

“This project was shaped by many in the community and would not have been possible without local people at its heart. Local individuals and businesses together with charitable trusts financed the project.

“Not only does the church and community now have the bells to ring for celebrations, there are opportunities to learn bell ringing and to welcome visiting ringers in the future.”

The bells were installed following a project which began in 2019 and has been funded through a combination of grants, donations and local support.