Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter pretending it didn't see the half-term weather forecast 😄

Parents, we got you! This week’s Scoop includes loads of free and cheap half-term activities to keep the kids busy, both indoor and out. And for the grown-ups, there’s live comedy, pop-up markets, a car show, the Gower Cycling Festival, and more.

Before you scroll, a quick pick from me: The Bristol Symphonia are playing a free concert at All Saints Church in Mumbles next Friday, featuring everything from film scores to Welsh hymns. If you’re down that way, pop in for a listen - the venue and acoustics are something else! 🎶

Whatever you’re up to, have a great week and I’ll catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew.

P.S. Happy belated birthday to readers Melanie C, Gillian, and Jay! 🥳

WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢

If you lived in Swansea during the 1980s and 1990s, chances are that this time of year meant one thing - heading to an annual show in the city that attracted over 15,000 people - and definitely didn’t do anything by halves. This week, learn all about it.

Read: The Epic City of Swansea Show

THE DIGEST 📰

👑 A Swansea mum who lost 7 stone has won International Ms Wales 2025, and will run the Swansea Half Marathon for Morgan's Army, before competing in New York.

🏛️ Swansea's historic YMCA building on the Kingsway has been put up for sale at £850,000, with the organisation continuing to operate from a smaller space within it.

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🧯 Swansea Council is installing electronic sensors on water safety aids around the marina and River Tawe to combat vandalism that endangers lives.

🏆 Swansea Council has pledged £10 million over the coming years for community sports, including changing rooms, skate parks, and neighbourhood improvement projects.

🏡 Gowerton residents are defending Swansea Council's refusal of Persimmon Homes' plans for a 216-home estate near the railway station. citing severe traffic concerns and problematic access.

🏆 Hafod Morfa Copperworks Distillery and Visitor Centre has won the Conservation of the Year award at the Royal Society of Architecture in Wales (RSAW) awards.

SWANSEA FOOD & DRINK 🍴

Looking for some fresh spots to eat and drink in Swansea this week? Try this lot out:

🍽️ Bartram's in Swansea has introduced new bistro classics menus featuring European-inspired dishes such as wild mushrooms on sourdough, mussels in white wine, and rib eye steak.

🍽️ Food By Sean No600 in hosting a Harry Potter Afternoon Tea experience from May 24th-31st featuring themed treats like Howler corned beef parcels, dragon's eggs, and chocolate wands.

🍽️ The Rake and Riddle has reopened as a destination featuring three restaurants under one roof: Cattle & Co, Salvs Pizzeria, and The Welsh House.

🍽️ The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen Swansea has launched a new breakfast menu, featuring dishes like Crab on Toast, Strawberry & Banana Granola Bowl, and its special Nutella & Strawberries French Toast.

@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱

Everyone knows Mumbles Pier, but have you ever visited Swansea’s other pier on the opposite side of the bay? This week, we shared a video about what you’ll find at the end of West Pier.

Check out our video on Instagram and give Swansea Scoop a follow while you’re there for lots of content that we can’t squeeze into the newsletter. We’re now at over 11,500 followers!

Find us at @swansea.scoop

FREEFALL ARE FLYING HIGH

FreeFall got in touch this week to tell us about a Swansea homecoming gig that’s coming up soon.

The indie/post-punk quartet - featuring David Goldsmith from Mayals, Dan from Morriston, Josh from Mount Pleasant, and Chris from Bishopston - have been friends since their school days and only formed the band last year.

But they're already making waves, having recently played at the O2 Academy in London and having their music featured on BBC Radio Wales Introducing.

Their debut music video for Changing has been praised by critics for its passionate vocals and hugely catchy chorus, and they're building a growing following across South Wales and beyond.

Catch FreeFall live at Elysium on June 7th at 7 PM - tickets are £5 in advance.

Got a local story about someone doing something cool or interesting in Swansea? Reply and tell us all about it - we might just feature it here!

WHAT’S ON

Here comes a big round-up of everything else cool happening in Swansea this week. Ready? Let’s go!

Monday May 26th

📽️ Big Screen Sing-Along: The Albert Hall hosts sing-along screenings every Monday evening. Keep an eye on its social profiles for what's on, and get ready to belt out some favourites.
6 PM

Tuesday May 27th

🎭 Menopause The Musical 2: Join the UK tour starring renowned actors for a hilarious look at menopause's highs and lows onboard a cruise ship.
7 PM | £33.00

📖 Robin Ince: Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal: Join Robin Ince for the launch of his book exploring anxiety, ADHD, and embracing neurodiversity at Elysium Gallery & Bar.
7.30 PM | £7.50 - £20.00

🚶 Hafod Copperworks Guided Walk: Find out about Swansea’s once thriving copper industry with a free guided walk hosted by The Friends of Hafod Morfa Copperworks.
11 AM | Free

Wednesday May 28th

🚲 Swansea & Gower Cycling Festival: Five days of cycling featuring three routes daily, from beginner-friendly to challenging, exploring Gower's scenic beauty.
May 28th - June 1st | £4 per ride

📝 Poetry Film Workshop with Jai Li: Join a creative workshop at Cinema & Co. to explore using movies to inspire poetry.
2 PM - 4 PM | £10

⛪ ️ Narrative Art in Windows of Gower Churches: Explore the artwork in stained glass windows through an illustrated talk at St Andrew's Church, Penrice.
7 PM | £10 (includes refreshments)

👩‍🎨 Art in the Afternoon: Free art drop-in sessions for over 50s at HQ Urban Kitchen, exploring new creative techniques with personalised support.
1 PM - 3 PM | Free

Thursday May 29th

💬 What the F*ck is Going On? (or How I See Things) by Ryan Samuel Davies: A solo performance exploring the impact of A.I on daily life, using projections and satire at Volcano Theatre. Also Friday and Saturday.
8:00 PM | £8 - £10

🤣 The Masterclass: Join Derek, Eleri, Kath, and Simone for a hilarious comedy sketch show full of fun, egos and chaos - at HQ Urban Kitchen. Also Saturday.
Doors 7 PM, Show 8 PM - 9.30 PM | £13.50

🖼️ ️ Dementia Friendly Activity: Drawing on History: Explore the National Waterfront Museum, create art, and enjoy a warm drink in this welcoming session for individuals living with or supporting those with dementia.
1 PM | Free (booking required)

🎭 Route 4 by Arnold Matsena: Witness a unique dance performance exploring the clash between land and sea, choreographed by Arnold Matsena at Volcano Theatre. Also Friday and Saturday.
10 AM - 5 PM | £0 - £12

Friday May 30th

🎼 Free Orchestral Concert: Join Bristol Symphonia for a free concert featuring film, classical and traditional favourites including music by John Williams, Grieg, and Welsh hymns, raising money for Mind mental health charity at All Saints Church in Mumbles.
4 PM | Free

Saturday May 31st

👛 Uplands Market: Pop down to Gwydr Square for the monthly Uplands Market, where local traders bring you the best in local produce, food and drink, clothes, jewellery, art, and tons more.
9 AM - 1 PM

👗 Felindre Food & Crafts Market: Head to Felindre Hall and Grounds to find a wide variety of vendors selling everything from food and drink to jewellery, prints and homewares.
10 AM - 3 PM

🏖️ Langland Open Hut Day: Ever wondered what it’s like inside the beach huts at Langland? Hut owners open their doors for one day only, with a bake sale to raise money for the Mumbles RNLI.
11 AM - 3 PM

🌷 Annual Friends of Penllergare Spring Plant Sale: Browse a selection of plants at the Visitor Centre in Penllergare Valley Woods, with all proceeds supporting its conservation efforts.
11 AM - 2 PM

🥗 Swansea Vegan Festival 2025: Wales's biggest vegan extravaganza at LC Swansea featuring 60+ stalls with world food caterers, cakes, dairy alternatives, and more.
10.30 AM - 4.30 PM | Free

🎭 Dance Days 2025: Celebrate 20 years of dance at the National Waterfront Museum and surrounding area, featuring acrobatics, folk dance, performances, and workshops for all ages. Also Sunday.
11 AM - 6 PM | Free

🕺 Boogie Days: Saturday afternoon is the new Saturday night at Cu Mumbles, featuring music from the 70s, 80s and 90s at Cu Mumbles.
3 PM - 8 PM | £10

🎭 Lunchtime Theatre - Days After: Dive into the mystery of British heist history in this play, imagining what followed the infamous 1963 mail train robbery.
12.30 PM | £10.00

🎤 Taylormania: Taylor Swift Eras Tribute Concert: Award-winning tribute show featuring hits like Shake It Off and Love Story at Swansea Grand Theatre, performed by 'Swiftie' Katy Ellis and a live band.
7:00 PM | £29.50

Sunday June 1st

👚 Swansea Bay Market: The popular monthly market in Victoria Park returns, with tons of stalls selling local food, drink, and more.
10 AM - 2 PM

🎵 Music of the Movies: Epic movie music brought to life by a live orchestra at Swansea Arena, including soundtracks from The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and more.
3 PM | Tickets from £23.50

👛 Pontardawe Inn Market: Head down to the Pontardawe Inn for its monthly market, featuring food, crafts, and a whole host of local traders.

🚗 Field of Dreams Car Show 2025: American, British, and European car enthusiasts unite at Riverside Caravan Park for a day of classic cars, food stalls, live music, and more.
10 AM - 4 PM | £5 per person, £15 for family ticket

🐕 Dog-Friendly Screening - Homeward Bound: Bring along your four-legged friends to a movie night at Cinema & Co. supporting Llys Nini Animal Rescue Centre.
4 PM | Free

Back the Scoop 🦢

If the Swansea Scoop has ever helped you catch a great event or feel more connected to what’s happening locally, you can now become a member and support us for just £2/month.

It's the best way to help us out, and honestly makes our day every time someone joins 😊

Here's the link if you fancy it.

No pressure at all - just a way to keep your local guide to all things Swansea going strong.

A huge thanks to the 25 local legends who have supported us already - including our newest members, Mike L and Capel Catref! 🙌

Andrew

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Monday May 26th
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tuesday May 27th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

Wednesday May 28th
Elysium | Gasper Nali | 7 PM
Cu Mumbles | Liz Exell Quartet | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | Two Til Twelve | 6 PM

Thursday May 29th
Hippos | Open Mic | 4 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | ELO Again | 7 PM


Friday May 30th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | The Sensational 60s Experience | 7.30 PM
The Bunkhouse | Movement 81 | 7 PM
Pontardawe Arts Centre | Peggy Seeger | 7.30 PM
Sin City | Michael Monroe + CJ Wildheart | 7 PM
Patti Pavilion | Limehouse Lizzy | 7.30 PM
Bar Saint James | Hermione Wild | 7.30 PM

Saturday May 31st
Elysium | Cheap Dirty Horse | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | The Nightingales | 6 PM
Pontardawe Arts Centre | This Flight Tonight - The Songs of Joni Mitchell | 7.30 PM
The Ship Inn, Port Eynon | DC Party & Dance Band | 3 PM
The Crofty Inn | The Wildflowers | 8.30 PM
The Swigg | Expecting Company | 4 PM
The Swigg | The Fiends | 8 PM

Sunday June 1st
Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sundays | 8 PM
Elysium | Last Birds | 7 PM
The Riverhouse, SA1 | DC Party & Dance Band | 6 PM

THANKS 😊

Thanks for reading the Swansea Scoop. If you enjoyed it, share it with a friend who would find it useful as well.

Catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew.

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