TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop - the local newsletter that’s like finding a prize-winning conker 😊

It’s an exciting one this week as we announce the return of the Swansea Scoop Dinner Club - back in a different format, but still one of the easiest and most fun ways to meet new people and make friends in Swansea. Check out all the details below and grab a seat at the table!

Plus, the West End comes to town in the form of Operation Mincemeat, there’s a two-day food festival, live comedy, a celebration of beer and cider, David Essex, and tons more.

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

Andrew.

P.S. Over 12,000 Swansea locals read the Scoop! Know someone who’d enjoy it? Forward this email to them and ask them to subscribe for free.

Something a bit different this week: As the fellwalker Alfred Wainwright once famously put it, there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing - and never a truer word was spoken in these parts.

So layer up, get the blood pumping, and enjoy a well-earned cuppa waiting at the other end of six local walks with something worth finding along the way - including a pet cemetery, a 230-year-old aqueduct, and a glasshouse full of exotic plants.

Read 6 Swansea Walks With Something Worth Finding.

🎃 The pumpkin patch at Penyfodau Fawr Farm near Garden Village has closed for good as work on a new solar farm begins.

🖥️ A Swansea University project is putting 1980s computers back to work, using Wales's own computing history to build digital confidence today.

🍃 The artist behind Swansea's Leaf Boat sculpture has been reunited with her work, after it was unveiled in its new home at Cwmdonkin Park.

☕ Santander plans to open a new Work Cafe at its Swansea branch, where you can grab a coffee, work all day for free and do your banking.

🚗 A new electric car sharing scheme is now up and running in Swansea, offering an affordable option for people who don't own a car.

💰 Swansea-founded Au Vodka has officially been sold to American spirits giant Sazerac, in a deal reportedly worth over £300 million.

🎢 Work on new luge tracks is ramping up as Skyline Swansea's construction continues.

🏙️ Plans have been approved to transform Little Wind Street with new lighting seating and a colourful feature wall.

🏗️ Scoop reader Chris sent us these photos of the progress being made on refurbishing Castle Gardens - structures are going up.

🎤 Simply Red are coming to Singleton Park next summer, with Lisa Stansfield and Heather Small joining as special guests.

🌿 Swansea College of Art students are helping shape what one of the city's most talked-about new buildings will actually look and feel like.

A huge new mural has appeared around the corner from Kardomah cafe in Swansea city centre…

📱 Join over 95,000 people and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

This 4-bedroom detached house in Townhill has two reception rooms, ensuite, conservatory, and study. £335,000 via Fresh Estate & Lettings.

Want to make new friends in Swansea? Maybe you’ve just moved here, your circle has changed, or you’d just like to meet some new people without joining a club, networking, or awkwardly introducing yourself to strangers in a pub 🙂

That’s what the Swansea Scoop Dinner Club is for - a relaxed way to meet friendly new faces over a really good dinner.

Hundreds of you joined us for Dinner Club events earlier this year, with one guest telling us: “The people were so varied that it just made sense. There were interesting conversations and I laughed so much my stomach hurt.”

On Thursday October 22nd, Swansea Scoop Dinner Club returns at Flynn’s Delicatessen, with guests seated across tables of six.

We’ll ask you a few questions when you book, then use your answers to help put together tables with people you’ll have plenty to chat about with.

Tickets are £36 and include your Dinner Club place plus a three-course menu designed especially for the night - crispy rarebit, Welsh venison rigatoni (or roasted mushroom rigatoni) and lemon posset with blackberry compote and Welsh-cake shortbread.

Hopefully you go home having met a few new faces - and maybe even made the start of a new friendship or two.

👴 Ageing Well Activities for 50+: Enjoy activities across Swansea, including movie and soup specials, coffee mornings, bowling and social walks.
Various times | Free

🕰️ Operation Mincemeat: Award-winning musical recounting a WWII secret mission to outwit Hitler. Fast-paced, hilarious, with daily performances.
Until September 26th | £33.00 - £67.00

🪁 Art In the Sky: An Exhibition of International Contemporary Art Kites: Last week to catch the UK's first contemporary art kites exhibition at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, featuring artists from around the world.
10 AM - 4:30 PM | Free

🎮 Smash Bros Tournament: Console fighting-game tournament on Founders & Co.'s Main Stage.
6 PM | £4 to enter, £1 to spectate

🕊️ World Peace Day & Peaceweavers Book Launch Celebration: Readings, live music and a launch party for the Peaceweavers international peace anthology, at Down By Here.
7 PM - 10.30 PM | Free

🎹 Lunchtime Organ Recital with Stephen Power: Free lunchtime organ recital by Stephen Power from Monmouth Priory at the Brangwyn Hall.
12.45 PM | Free

👁️ The Feminist Gaze: Join The Feminist Gaze, an evening celebrating women's perspectives and ideas featuring engaging talks, conversation, and community connections at Urban HQ.
6.30 PM - 9 PM | £15

🔬 Citizen Science – a talk by Dr Dan Forman: Retired Swansea University wildlife biologist on how volunteers can help local nature conservation, at St Hilary's Church Community Hall, Killay.
7.30 PM - 9 PM | Free

🎬 National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope: Sandra Oh stars in a razor-sharp reimagining of Molière's classic dark comedy, screened at Taliesin Arts Centre.
7 PM | £15.50

🎭 It'll All Be Over by Christmas: Follow Rosie Birch's wartime journey from Liverpool to Swansea - a touching tale from Theatr Na Nog at Dylan Thomas Theatre.
1 PM | £15 - £25

🍂 Autumn Wreath Making at Penllergare Valley Woods: Craft a natural wreath with seasonal materials from Penllergare Woods, suitable for ages 10+.
6 PM - 8 PM | £10 per person

🎨 Noson Paint Along: Join a painting session at Tŷ Tawe to create 'Rhosili Sunflowers' with step-by-step guidance from artist Rachel Rasmussen. All materials provided.
19:00 | £30 per person

😂 Comedy@The Brunswick: Relaxed free comedy night with acts from across Wales, hosted by Chris Carra, at The Brunswick pub in Bryn-mor.
7 PM | Free

🕺 Tea Dance: Join Phillip & Gaynor Evans, professional dancers, for an afternoon of music, dance, and cake at the Brangwyn Hall.
2 PM | £10

🎶 ¡No Pasarán!: Commemorate the Spanish Civil War's 90th anniversary at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais in an event featuring music by Caws a Bara and readings from Lorca and Orwell.
7 PM | Pay What You Can: £0, £4, £8

🎤 Rockeoke Soft Opening at The Hanbury: Experience something new with Rockeoke at The Hanbury, featuring karaoke fun, student discounts, and a night of trial and error.
8.30 PM

🍺 No Sign Bar Beer, Cider & Wine Festival: Join No Sign Bar for four days of real ales, craft beer, live music, and delicious small plates.
24th–27th September | Free entry

🥘 Paella on the Patio : Enjoy black paella at Flynn's Delicatessen with Spanish beverages available. Pre-book for dine-in or takeaway options.
5 PM - 7 PM | From £16

🧀 French Cheese Tasting at Flynn's Delicatessen: Experience a guided French cheese tasting session with small bites. Perfect for cheese enthusiasts and beginners.
3 PM | £12

🎭 The Shape of Things to Come - The Window: Enjoy a series of six short imaginative performances about the future at Volcano Theatre,
September 24th - October 31st | £4-10

🎲 Chess Club at Volcano Theatre: Unleash your inner grandmaster every Thursday at this new chess club. All skill levels welcome.
6 PM - 8 PM | Free

🌧️ People's Emergency Briefing: Community screening featuring a documentary on climate, extreme weather, and more, at Urban HQ - followed by a discussion on local impact.
6:30 PM | Free

🍴 Big Food Festival: The Big Food Festival descends on Museum Green outside the National Waterfront Museum, for a weekend showcasing Wales' best street food, craft drinks, and desserts.
September 25th - 27th | Free entry

🎤 Simon Emanuel: Master of Nothing: The stand-up performs his new tour show on failure, bad decisions and growing up in Swansea at Problematic Pub Comedy Club.

🎻 Twmpath yr Hydref: A lively night of folk dancing and singing at Pontardawe Arts Centre, suitable for all skill levels.
7.30 PM | £7.70

🎭 Kind Hearts and Coronets: New stage adaptation by Derek Webb of the classic Ealing black comedy, directed by Peter Richards, at Swansea Grand Theatre.

*Sponsored content.

🧘‍♂️ Wellfest: Weekend-long festival in Mumbles focusing on mindfulness, fitness, and mental health, offering various free activities like yoga, talks, and workshops.
September 26th–27th | Free

🎤 K-pop Kids Party: Enjoy live K-pop performances at Plantasia Tropical Zoo featuring singing, dancing, face painting, competitions, and more. General zoo admission included.
10 AM - 5 PM | From £10.45

🍲 Uplands Market : Monthly market at Gwydr Square, Uplands featuring fresh food and handcrafted goods on the last Saturday of each month.
9 AM - 1 PM

🍽️ Felindre Food & Crafts Market: Local traders selling food, drink, and crafts in an indoor and outdoor setting. Dog-friendly and ample parking.
10 AM - 3 PM

🎶 Mumbles Proms Concert: 'Last Night of the Proms' magic with Swansea Bay Symphony Orchestra at All Saints' Church in Mumbles.
7 PM | £12, Under 18s free

🍴 Deli 101: Olive Oil Tasting: Informal tasting session at Flynn's Delicatessen exploring olive oils, with practical tips on usage. Ticket includes guided tasting and small bites.
3 PM | £12

🏛️ History and Heritage Fair: Enjoy talks and expertise on local and family history by the Historical Association and Swansea Museum, hosted at the National Waterfront Museum.
September 26th - 27th | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free

🔮 Spiritual & Wellbeing Fayre: Celebrate all things spirituality and wellbeing at the Swansea.com Stadium.
11 AM - 4 PM | Free

👻 Make Spoooooky Clay Ghosts: Craft your own air dry clay ghosts with hand-building techniques and decoupage at Founders & Co., ready for Halloween.
10 AM - 12 PM | £25

🐝 Introduction to Beekeeping Course: Learn the basics of beekeeping from experienced tutor Alyson Williams at the National Waterfront Museum.
10.30 AM - 4 PM | £45 - £55

🛶 Canoe & Kayak Hire - Summer Sundays: Final session of the season for this open-to-all canoe and kayak hire at Coed Gwilym Park, Clydach, run by the Swansea Canal Society.
10 AM - 2 PM | £12

🏊 Mumbles Multi Sport Festival: Aquabike, duathlon and multi-discipline races along the Gower coast, starting and finishing at Knabb Rock, Mumbles, run by Activity Wales Events.
From 8 AM | £32.40 - £160.92

🎤 David Essex: Thanks for the Memories: The veteran British singer and actor brings his nationwide anniversary tour to Swansea Arena.
6.30 PM | From £42.48

🤡 Queer Clown Bingo: An evening of games, prizes, and light entertainment at Down By Here. Bingo cards provided, bring your own dabbers! Fundraising event for future cabarets.
5 PM | £5 - £8

💻 Slow laptop or broken computer? Swan CD in Tycoch has been fixing Swansea's tech since 1997 – covering everything from PC, Mac and laptop repairs to upgrades, phone fixes, and the supply and setup of new machines for homes and businesses. Pop into 38-40 Carnglas Road, call 01792 521158, or visit swancd.co.uk.

*The above is sponsored content

Monday, September 21st
Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tuesday, September 22nd

Wednesday, September 23rd
Down By Here | The Down By Here Open Mic | 7.30 PM
The Observatory | Swansea Jazz Club - Andy Davies | 8 PM

Thursday, September 24th
The Bunkhouse | Erotic Secrets of Pompeii + Peer Pleasure

Friday, September 25th
Volcano Theatre | Casi Wyn + The Gentle Good | 7 PM
Pontardawe Arts Centre | Twmpath yr Hydref (Welsh folk ceilidh) | 7.30 PM
Down By Here | Lemontronic: Electronic Open Mic Night | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Local, Luke RV & Gwonsun (+ The Afters till late) | 8 PM
Bambu Beach Bar | CUE Swansea w/ Scott Steer | 9 PM

Saturday, September 26th
The Patti | 100% Old Skool 20th Anniversary: Barbara Tucker, Jon Pleased Wimmin, Greg P & Ed Kurno | 4 PM
The Bunkhouse | Domhain / Ofnus / Adfeilion | 7 PM
Down By Here | Orbit Street + Beluga + Josh Ace | 7 PM
Hangar 18 | ZZ Toppd (UK's No.1 ZZ Top Tribute) | 7.30 PM
KOVA Swansea | OFC x KOVA present Ryan Nicholls | 8 PM
Peppermint Swansea | DENO Live | 10 PM
Hippos | Ft Text, OP Breaks + more
Club Kova | Ryan Nicholls | 9 PM

Sunday, September 27th
The Bunkhouse | Battle Of The Bands 2026: Semi Final 2 | 7 PM

Enjoy the Swansea Scoop landing in your inbox every week?

Help us keep the Scoop independent, local, and free to read with a monthly contribution of just £2 or a one-off tip via Buy Me a Coffee (no sign-up required).

A big thank you to our 117 supporters so far, including some of our latest supporters: Merryl, Ellie, and Swansea Group of the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales!

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

Catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew.

✅ Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up

📧 Want to advertise your business to our audience of 12,000+ newsletter subscribers and 95,000+ on social media? Reply to this email or contact [email protected]

👉 Sometimes things change or we make a mistake, so please check event and activity details directly with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Swansea Scoop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.