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Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop, the newsletter that’s like getting one massive strawberry in the punnet 😋

This week’s highlights include a free spin on the Big Wheel in memory of Bonnie Tyler, two full days of live music with Amplitude, the chance to meet a space scientist, pro wrestling landing in Townhill, iced tea 101 - plus dozens more things to keep you busy.

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

Andrew.

P.S. Over 11,000 Swansea locals read the Scoop! Know someone who’d enjoy it? Forward this email to them and ask them to subscribe for free.

In October 1838, thousands of people lined the streets of Swansea to cheer a man through the town like a king - and today he has a memorial beneath the archway on Patagonia Walk in the Marina.

Look closer, and you'll find quotes, images and fragments of the life of a man Swansea once treated as a celebrity — a self-styled European baron and miracle doctor.

But he wasn't a baron. He wasn't even a doctor. His real name was John Smith, and everything else about him - the title, the medical degree, the miracle cures he sold - were invented.

This week, we tell the story of Baron Spolasco: Swansea's most outrageous fraud.

⚽ A Swansea man has officially been recognised as the longest-serving football referee in the world after an incredible six decades with the whistle.

🚴 Jiffy's Cancer 50 Challenge returns today, with a record 435 riders set to cycle from Cardiff to Mumbles in aid of cancer care.

🌊 Blackpill Lido has reopened following water quality issues this week, with Swansea Council thanking the public for their patience.

💃 Swansea-born actress Melanie Walters has been confirmed as the final celebrity joining the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up.

🎗️ Swansea Bay’s cancer patients are set for a warmer, less clinical care experience, after the local community smashed a £200,000 fundraising target.

🦿 A Swansea boy with severe mobility challenges has taken his first-ever steps, using a UK-first robotic exoskeleton trial in Carmarthenshire.

🌘 Streams of Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart surged as this week’s solar eclipse crossed the UK, five weeks after the singer’s death.

💔 A large crowd gathered on Newton Road in Mumbles on Saturday as Bonnie Tyler’s memorial procession took place.

This week, we answered the question: what’s kinda chic about living in Swansea?

📱 Join over 90,000 people and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

A three-bedroom flat on the first floor of a Grade II-listed building on Mumbles Road, with separate dining room, sea views, and private parking for two vehicles. Offers over £425,000 via Astleys.

🥩 The former Seagers steakhouse site in Gorseinon will reopen as The Coal House, a new restaurant from Refining Dining, the people behind Cattle & Co., The Welsh House, and more.

🍨 Long-serving Verdi's team member Giuseppe Cianciarolo has given an emotional update on the fire that gutted the Mumbles café last week, sharing that it may not reopen until Easter next year.

🍸 Cosy Club is set to open its first Swansea branch in the historic Exchange Buildings on Adelaide Street in the city centre this November.

👋 The River Island shop on Oxford Street in Swansea is closing for good on Saturday, September 12th.

🔥 A major fire has caused significant damage to Langrove Health Club in Parkmill, on the Gower.

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

🎡 A Free Ride on The Big Wheel in Memory of Bonnie Tyler: Commemorate Bonnie Tyler with free rides at The Big Wheel, Mumbles Pier, featuring her music and scenic views of Swansea Bay.
10 AM - 1 PM | Free

🎨 Pottery Painting with Craftsea: Create personalised ceramics at Albert Hall including mugs, vases and ornaments.
6 PM - 8 PM | £22

🎨 Life Drawing: Enjoy weekly life drawing sessions every Wednesday at Elysium Gallery, complete with basic drawing materials and a cosy atmosphere.
6 PM | £10 + free drink

🪐 Meet the Space Scientist: Join Dr. Vladimir Pletser, with a unique background in microgravity research and Mars exploration, for an engaging talk and Q&A on space science at Oriel Science in Swansea.
2 - 3 PM (and same time on Friday) | Free

🍗 Roaster Rumble: An epic Roast Battle Night at Hippos, promising a fun-filled evening of friendly culinary competition.
8 PM | Free

🎵 National Youth Choir of Wales: Led by conductor Tim Rhys-Evans MBE at Brangwyn Hall, enjoy a diverse mix of music spanning brand-new pieces, choral favorites, and surprises.
7 PM | £17

🌱 Vegan Night Market: An evening of vegan food, live music, shopping, and drinks at Urban HQ, featuring Brontosaurus Vegan Lifestyle Store.
5.30 PM - 9.30 PM | Free

🎵 AMPLITUDE: Two days of diverse live music at Swansea Amphitheatre, showcasing indie-rock, jazz, pop, and folk genres with talented local artists.
22 - 23 August | Free

🔭 Solar Observing at Penllergare: Swansea Astronomical Society hosts solar observation with specialised equipment for safe viewing of our nearest star.
11 AM - 2 PM | Free

🍹 Iced Tea Tasting 101: Explore the world of iced tea with a tasting of various styles, methods, and flavours at Flynn’s Delicatessen.
From 3 PM | £10

🎸 Spiderfest 26: Annual Spiderfest Live Music Festival hosted by Spider Music, featuring live bands, food, and drinks at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees.
12 PM

🎨 Surrealist Painting Workshop: Join Lucy Donald and Mara Cabral to create surreal paintings inspired by artist Susan Adams at Elysium. All ages welcome.
11 AM | Free

🎤 Saturday Night Comedy: Big laughs at Problematic Pub Comedy Club with James Dunn, Martin Westgate, Sally-Anne Hayward, and host Simon Emanuel.
7 PM | £17

🧘‍♀️ Pilates in the Park: Enjoy a free, one-hour Pilates session in Cwmdonkin Park open to all ages and abilities, hosted by Move for Her Pilates.
11 AM | Free - £5

🧩 Group Jigsaw Challenge: Collaborate on a 2000-piece jigsaw puzzle at Common Meeple - family-friendly, and aiming to complete in 2 hours!
10 AM | £3.00

🎉 Bingo Lingo: Wild bingo rave at the Patti Pavilion with fast-paced games, stage battles, and unique prizes.
6.30 PM | From £13.75

🤼‍♂️ Exist Pro Wrestling: Shockwave: Witness exciting pro wrestling by Exist Pro Wrestling at Townhill Community Centre.
5.30 PM | £12.50 - £45

🎭 The Many Lives of Amy Dillwyn & Reminiscences of Childhood: Explore the life of Amy Dillwyn, a revolutionary suffragist and industrialist, followed by a solo performance inspired by Dylan Thomas' childhood, at the Pontardawe Arts Centre.
1 PM | £11

💻 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 August 17th
Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tuesday August 18th

Wednesday August 19th
Down by Here | Open Mic | 7 PM
The Swigg | Swansea Jazz Club: Chris Bowden & Dave Sears with Dave Cottle Trio | 8 PM

Thursday August 20th

Friday August 21st

Saturday August 22nd
The Bunkhouse | Hibushibire | 6 PM

Sunday August 23rd

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.

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