The moment the sea off the Welsh coastline transformed into a mystical shade of electric blue has been captured on camera by amateur photographers. The group were left spellbound when they witnessed the phenomenon for themselves at Penmon Point on Anglesey on Saturday, June 20.

They described being treated to a "holy grail of the show". The brilliant blue and shimmering spectacle is known as bioluminescence.

This natural light display is caused by microscopic plankton. The minuscule sea creatures drifting in the water produce light, creating luminous waters when agitated, whether through motion or by a predator. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday

Charlotte Kite, from Denbigh, was amongst those fortunate enough to witness the bioluminescence, which some have dubbed the 'northern lights of the ocean'.

She revealed she had visited Penmon Point four or five times over the past year hoping to observe the remarkable colour illuminating the waves, but had only managed to glimpse a "few sparkles on the rocks" on these visits, which she said was still "amazing". However, her persistence paid off last Saturday, reports Wales Online.

Charlotte said the display was "dreamy." She added: "Who would have thought you could see this in north Wales? No magic camera tricks either, it looks like this to the eye - like blue lightening flashing through the waves when they crash together and hit the rocks."

Bioluminescence is light emitted by living things as a result of chemical reactions within their bodies. Plankton have the ability to produce their own light when disturbed by waves, swimming fish or a predator.

The trick is also shared by certain squid and jellyfish species, as well as insects such as fireflies and glow-worms. The light emitted by these creatures creates glowing shorelines and sparkling wakes that go viral on social media.

While plankton are microscopic and the glow originates at a microscopic level, the spectacle becomes visible when large numbers of these organisms gather and are stimulated simultaneously.

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