St Cybi's church exhibition to open at Holyhead Library

A free exhibition showcasing the history and restoration of one of Holyhead's most historic landmarks will open next month.

Taking place from 1st to 14th May at Holyhead Market Hall and Library, the exhibition will detail the history of the Grade I listed St Cybi’s Church and the adjacent Eglwys y Bedd – a Grade II listed building, both of which stand within the walls of Caer Gybi Roman Fort. Local residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the restoration work and future plans as a worship and community space. Additional visitors are expected from the six cruise ships docking in Holyhead and the artisan markets in Swift Square.

St Cybi's Church is being renovated as part of Isle of Anglesey County Council's town centre plans, funded by the UK Governments through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund secured in January 2023.

The restoration project features significant improvements which will preserve the church's heritage and improve accessibility. A new ramp structure now allows full access to the church for the first time in centuries, while the original Victorian tiles will be carefully re-laid over a brand new underfloor heating system. The delicate encaustic tiles from the chancel and high altar areas have all been professionally cleaned and will be expertly reinstalled in their original positions.

The final stages of the project include furniture upgrades designed to create a more versatile worship space, including new wooden benches for worship and stackable chairs for larger community events.