TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop, the local newsletter that’s like a queue moving faster than expected 😊

It’s the City Nature Challenge this week, bringing loads of free activities to help us connect with the great outdoors, from seashore safaris to bat spotting and bluebell walks. Tickets are limited, so be quick!

Plus, there’s a brand new film festival, live comedy, Gabby’s Dollhouse, a Colour Run, a new Dinner Club location, and a huge weekend Regatta on Swansea Bay, and tons more!

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

Sponsored by Love Is Film Festival

Swansea's coolest venue is hosting a new film festival this week 🎬

Urban HQ - the creative hub with a gorgeous sun-trap courtyard in Swansea city centre - is hosting the brand new Love Is Film Festival from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th April.

A festival about love - in all its forms - told through film.

With 20+ screenings over four days, it has something for everyone, including:

Big screen classics like Casablanca in the courtyard at night, plus Breathless and In the Mood for Love
Short film showcases from Wales and around the world, including Welsh kids’ animation (free!) and Q&As with talented local filmmakers
A festival party to dance and socialise after a day of great movies

And of course, there’ll be tasty food and drink from Urban HQ’s cafe and bar throughout the event.

Film buffs, families, and date night planners - don’t miss this fantastic new addition to Swansea’s cultural calendar.

Single screenings are £5 and a full Festival Weekend Pass is just £20. Explore the full programme and buy tickets 👇

Buy tickets

📍Urban HQ, 37 Orchard Street, Swansea, SA1 5AJ | Urban HQ on Instagram

WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢

Tucked behind hoarding on Oxford Street aon the site of the old Woolworths and Poundland building, an extraordinary project is nearly finished - and it's unlike anything else in the UK. It's getting ready to open as the country's first fully biophilic building.

But what does a building being biophilic actually mean for the people living there - and the city as a whole?

We were invited inside for a look around and to learn all about it, guided by Lucy from Hacer Developments, the Swansea-based company behind the project.

Read Inside Swansea’s Greenest Building

THE DIGEST 📰

🏗️ 430 new homes, a primary school and shops could be coming to land between Fforestfach and Waunarlwydd.

🚗 Swansea Council is warning drivers after fake parking tickets were placed on vehicles in the Sandfields area this week.

FOOD & DRINK 🥙

Dinner Club is coming to Mumbles! 🍽️

With three sold-out dinners in the city centre, Swansea Scoop Dinner Club is expanding - with two upcoming dates now live:

📍 Mumbles: Thursday, May 7th
📍 Swansea city centre: Wednesday, May 20th

Same idea, two locations:

Take a quick quiz to get matched with a small group of like-minded locals for dinner at a top restaurant (revealed on the day), followed by drinks with the other tables at a nearby bar (optional, but highly recommended!)

It’s £9.95 to reserve your seat - you just pay for your own food and drinks on the night. Plus-ones are welcome (add them on the booking page).

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxed way to meet people and make new friends in Swansea, this is a great time to jump in.

Book Your Seat

🍛 Blood Bikes Wales Fundraising Curry Night: Enjoy a night of curry at Mumbai Kitchen to support a great cause. Includes raffle, quiz, and £5 donation to charity.
Tuesday April 21st | 7 PM | £20 per person

🍷 Taste Of Spain: Indulge in a five-course Spanish dinner paired with wines from Marqués de Cáceres vineyard in Rioja, Spain. Dishes include Paella de Marisco and Torrijas, at Morgan’s Hotel.
Thursday April 23rd | 6:30pm | £49.95pp

🍷 True Crime & Wine: Explore international true crime cases in a guided wine tasting session and interactive detective games at the Patti Pavilion.
Friday, April 24th | 6 PM - 8 PM | From £21.75

🔍 The Great Gillespie Murder Mystery Dinner: Step into a 1920s detective role at Raj Kitchen, solving a murder mystery while enjoying an Indian buffet. All proceeds support Morgan's Army.
Saturday April 25th | 7.30 PM | £37.68

👗 Swansea Community Farm Gala Dinner 2026: Support Swansea Community Farm, with a formal gala dinner, three-course meal, dancing, and fundraising dinner at Swansea Masonic Hall.
Saturday April 26th | 6 PM | From £61.75

@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱

This week, we checked out The Pizza Boyz’ new takeaway on Walter Road, serving pizza by the slice.

More from our socials this week:

🏰 Fairies destroyed Pennard Castle.

🏗️ A tour around Biophilic Living.

🛗 Trying an old lift in Swansea for the first time.

🌈 A “flat” rainbow appeared over Swansea Bay.

🛹 Skateboarding down West Cross Lane.

🪑 A 10/10 bench spot.

SWANSEA PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT 🏡

This 4-bedroom detached house in Loughor is in a quiet cul-de-dac, and features a study, ensuite shower room, and countryside views. £425,000 via John Francis.

SWANSEA SHOUT OUTS 🦢

Swansea Minster is looking for volunteers to help out in its cafe.

A new free early years hub, Babyzone, launches in Swansea Building Society Arena on Monday April 20th.

Got something to shout out to Swansea? Let us know!

SWANSEA LOCAL BUSINESS

🌿 Sostrene Grene will be moving into the old Zara unit on Princess Way.

🍸 Gin & Juice Mumbles has been sold to The Secret Hospitality Group and will re-open as Una Mumbles in May.

🍛 Deccan Flavours Biryani House has opened on St Helen’s Road.

✅ Swansea BID has launched its business plan for the 2026-2031, which will now go to ballot amongst BID businesses.

🏄 Bae Surf School has opened at The View in Rhossili.

🐢 Turtle Bay closed its Swansea restaurant for the last time on Thursday.

📽️ Cinema & Co. on Castle Street has announced it is to close this summer.

Sponsored by the National Waterfront Museum

Raw sewage is being pumped into our rivers and seas - and one woman decided to fight back.

Jo in the Water follows sea swimmer, retiree and reluctant activist Jo Bateman's David-and-Goliath battle against one of the UK's biggest water companies - and the national movement she helped ignite.

Catch the Welsh premiere at the National Waterfront Museum on Wednesday April 22nd at 6.30 PM, followed by a live Q&A with Jo and director Pip Piper.

The bar will be open and tickets are just £5.

Buy Tickets

WHAT’S ON 📅

Together with Welsh Coast Radio

📻 Listen live at welshcoastradio.com, on your smart speaker, on the app, or on 106.5 FM across North and East Swansea.

Monday April 20th

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

🎉 Quiz Night with Lee Trundle: Join Lee Trundle for a lively pub quiz at The Swansea Jack. Free entry, prizes, and fun surprises all promised.
7 PM (quiz starts ay 7.30 PM) | Free entry

Tuesday April 21st

🌳 Walled Garden Volunteer Open Sessions: Explore the restored historic Walled Garden at Penllergare Valley Woods and explore opportunities to volunteer.
10 AM - 12 PM | Free

🎹 Lunchtime Organ Recital: Enjoy a lunchtime organ recital at the Brangwyn Hall featuring Huw Williams from Bath Abbey.
12.45 PM | Free

🎶 Come to Sing!: Learn simple Welsh through music at the National Waterfront, led by musician Delyth Jenkins.
11 AM | Free

Wednesday April 22nd

🎭 Holmes and the Ripper: Sherlock Holmes investigates the Jack the Ripper case in a fast-moving play filled with conspiracy, freemasons, and intrigue at Dylan Thomas Theatre. Until April 25th.
7.30 PM | £15 - £25

🕺 Tea Dance: Professional dancers Phillip and Gaynor Evans invite you for an afternoon of music, dance, and cake at the Brangwyn Hall. Limited tickets.
2 PM | £10

🌊 Earth Day Premiere - Jo in the Water: Watch the Welsh premiere screening of Jo in the Water, a documentary about activism against water pollution, followed by a discussion with the activist Jo Bateman and Director Pip Piper.
6.30 PM | £5

🎭 Gabby's Dollhouse Live: Join Gabby and friends in a magical musical show at Swansea Building Society Arena , featuring beloved series songs and incredible puppets.
1.30 PM & 4.30 PM | £34.50

📸 Wildlife Photography Exhibition: Explore the beauty of the natural world through the lens of South Wales photographers on the ground floor of the Taliesin. Until May 29th.
Free entry

📚 Author Talk: Will Hayward discusses his new book Who Cares About Wales?, at Waterstones Swansea, tackling crucial issues about Wales' future.
6 PM | £3 - £17

📽️ Film Nights @ Volcano: Catch the cult psychological drama Morvern Callar at Volcano Theatre.
7 PM | £3

Thursday April 23rd

🎥 Love Is Film Festival: Pop-up film fest at Urban HQ from April 23-26, showcasing Welsh, classic, and global cinema. Enjoy a screening of Casablanca in the courtyard, Q&As, workshops, and more.
Various times | £5 - £26

🎭 Purcell, The Musical: Writer Clare Norburn and director Nicholas Renton bring Henry Purcell's final illness to life through hallucinations and memories, performed with instrumental and vocal compositions at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7.30 PM | £21

🎻 Nigel Kennedy Concert: One of the UK’s most renowned violinists presents a diverse evening of classical, jazz, and contemporary music at the Brangwyn Hall.
7.30 PM | £42.50 - £52.50

🎸 The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight: Classical musicians perform exhilarating renditions of iconic rock and metal anthems like Metallica and AC/DC in an ethereal candlelit setting at Swansea Building Society Arena.
From £28

🏄‍♀️ Paddle Board for Age 60+: Enjoy paddle boarding at Lliw Reservoir for ages 60+, led by Lliw Valley Outdoor Adventures staff.
11 AM | £3.50

📚 Oliver Bullough - Everybody Loves Our Dollars: Award-winning journalist Oliver Bullough unveils his latest book on money laundering's impact on the global economy, at Mumbles Tabernacle.
7 PM | £8.13

🩺 Dr Louise Newson: Dr Louise Newson presents Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones, a show challenging misconceptions and sharing key insights on hormones for a healthier life.
7.30 PM | £32.50

Friday April 24th

🎪 Circus Vegas: Experience Circus Vegas at Swansea Recreation Ground, featuring a diverse range of death-defying acts like Wheel of Death and Globe of Death, and more.
7.45 PM | £12 - £37.53

🎵 Jim Henson's Labyrinth in Concert: Experience the iconic film and David Bowie’s music with a live band at Swansea Building Society Arena.
7.30 PM | From £36

🏉 An Evening with Nigel Owens MBE: Join top Rugby referee Nigel Owens MBE at Swansea Grand Theatre for stories from his career, anecdotes, and a live Q&A session. Limited tickets.
7.30 PM | £26 - £45

🕺 Disco On Tap: Dance to funky, soulful disco vibes at Sessions Bar Swansea with DJs Ben-Banjo Field, Glyn Radford, and Sugarbrn, brought by The Discography Lessons.
7 PM - 12 AM | Free entry

SU Dance - Spring Showcase: Enjoy an eclectic mix of dance styles at SU Dance Society's Spring Showcase reflecting the Welsh theme of Hiraeth. Includes a raffle in support of Swansea Women’s Aid.
7 PM | £12 Full Price, £8 Student

🌈 QueerTawe Open Stage Fundraiser: Night of drag, poetry, music, and more at Elysium to support Queertawe's workshops for Swansea's queer community.
6.30 PM | From £7.21

🏺 Swansea Ceramics Talk: Andrew Renton, retired applied art curator, delves into the history of Swansea's Cambrian Pottery with personal favorites from Glynn Vivian Art Gallery's ceramics collection.
2 PM | Free

City Nature Challenge

🌿 Bluebell Walk: Discover bluebells and other seasonal highlights, guided by Clyne Valley Community Project.
1.30 PM | Free (booking required)

🦋 Moth ID Session: Explore the world of moths at The Woodland Centre in Penllergare Valley Woods and help identify different species in a unique wildlife experience.
9 AM - 10 AM | Free

🌳 City Nature Challenge with Forest School SNPT: Family session for children aged 0-4 years at Ornamental Gardens, Singleton Park. Includes nature activities, and crafts.
10 AM - 11.30 AM | £2 per child

🌺 City Nature Challenge: Wildflower Wander: Guided garden walk led by former head gardener Teifion Davies at Clyne Gardens.
2 PM | Free (booking required)

🦜 Wildlife Walk: Join a guided wildlife walk at Singleton Park to explore Swansea's nature with binoculars, magnifying glasses, and microphones
4 PM | Free (booking required)

Saturday April 25th

🏴‍☠️ Lord Mayor's Regatta 2026: Hosted by Bristol Channel Yacht Club at Knab Rock, Mumbles on April 25th and 26th - enjoy pirate-themed fun, sailing races, music, food, and family entertainment.
10 AM - 4 PM | Free

🎤 Perfectly George: Rob Lamberti honours George Michael's iconic career with a show at Swansea Grand Theatre featuring hits like 'Careless Whisper' and 'Faith' in a celebration of the late star.
7:00PM | £33.50 - £41.50

🍽️ Uplands Market: Monthly gathering at Gwydr Square, Uplands, offering fresh food and handcrafted goods.
9 AM - 1 PM

🎤 Mumbles Record & CD Fair: Explore new and used vinyl records and CDs across various music genres at Victoria Hall. Bring your records to sell or trade.
10 AM - 3 PM | Free

🎻 Swansea Bay Symphony Orchestra - Spring Concert: Enjoy the SBSO's spring concert at All Saints' Church in Mumbles featuring a diverse musical program. Tickets are £10, with free entry for under 18s and students.
10 AM | £10, Free for Under 18s and Students

🎻 Twmpath Barn Dance: Join the fun at Loughor Welfare Hall with Coppercaillie Swansea Ceilidh Band for lively traditional music and community dancing.
6.30 PM | £5 per ticket

🤣 Tonguing with Carys Eleri: Join award-winning Welsh performer Carys Eleri for a comedy show at Pontardawe Arts Centre.
7.30 PM | £16.50

🎨 Paper Etching Portraits: Create a self-portrait using dry point etching on paper plates and recycled materials at this Glynn Vivian Art Gallery workshop.
10.30 AM | £5

🎵 Pontarddulais Male Choir Annual Concert: Celebrate 65 years with the choir at the Brangwyn Hall, featuring Soprano Jessica Robinson, Tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, and special guests.
7 PM | £25

City Nature Challenge

🐍 Slither & Splash: Reptiles & Amphibians: Explore the world of reptiles and amphibians on a guided walk through Oxwich Dunes with the Swansea Amphibian and Reptile Group.
9 AM | Free (booking required)

🦀 Shoreline Safari: Explore the wildlife and natural features of Swansea Bay's shoreline and dunes with a guided walk led by Teifion Davies.
2 PM | Free (booking required)

🦇 Guided Bat Walk: Explore bats at Fendrod Lake with bat detectors to locate and learn about these fascinating creatures. Led by Glamorgan Bat Group members.
8 PM | Free (booking required)

🌅 Dawn Chorus Walk at Penllergare Valley Woods: Explore the enchanting dawn chorus led by Trustee Ciaran O'Brien, identifying bird species during a 1-2 hour walk.
6 AM | Free (booking required)

🔬 Strandline Survey at Blackpill: Join marine biologists at Blackpill to explore the strandline in Swansea Bay
10 AM | Free (booking required)

🌿 The Secret Species of Crymlyn Bog: Listen to birdsong, spot unique wildlife, and explore the Bog with experts.
11 AM - 2 PM | Free (booking required)

🌳 Spring Woodland Walk at Bishop’s Wood: Join a family-friendly walk through Bishop’s Wood Local Nature Reserve, exploring woodland plants and wildlife.
10 AM | Free (booking required)

🌿 Guided Wildlife Walk at Melin Mynach: Explore the biodiversity of Parc Melin Mynach on a guided walk led by entomologists.
10 AM & 1 PM | Free (booking required)

🔬 FLOW LAB at Oriel Science: Dive into the world of flow experimentation this April at the Science Corner, with hands-on activities exploring various aspects of flow. Also Sunday.
10 AM - 4 PM | Free

🏉 Mumbles Junior Crackers Rugby Festival: Inaugural event featuring over 70 teams for a day of junior rugby fun, food vendors, and family entertainment including a meet and greet with James Hook.

🌿 Earth Day Bath Bomb Making and Crafts: Celebrate World Earth Day by decorating a plant pot, planting seeds, and making a bath bomb to take home at LUSH Swansea.
12 PM | £10

🏞️ Guided Tour of the Old Hafod Morfa Copperworks: Explore Swansea's historic copper industry at the old Hafod Morfa Copperworks site.
11 AM | Free (no booking required)

🌿 "Spring Spectacle" Garden Walk: Join former head gardener Teifion Davies for a guided educational walk exploring Clyne Gardens' floral beauty. Limited tickets.
11 AM - 12.30 PM | £3 per person

Sunday April 26th

🌈 Colour Run Swansea: Experience a colourful 5K run in Singleton Park with music, colour stations, and fun for all ages, supporting Faith in Families.
12 PM | £22.95 (14+), £12.95 (5-13)

🎭 Chris Ramsey Comedy: Chris Ramsey performs his new stand-up show Here Man at Swansea Building Society Arena.
7.30 PM | From £34.90

City of Nature Events

🦜 Crymlyn Burrows Wildlife Walk: Explore the wildlife of Crymlyn Burrows with warden Ben Sampson, spotting stonechat, kestrel, and butterflies while learning to photograph and record them.
10 AM - 12 PM | Free (booking required)

🦜 Wildlife of Pluck Lake: Join naturalist Josh Greatorex-Davies for a gentle walk exploring woodland and wetland wildlife at Pluck Lake.
10 AM | Free (booking required)

🌿 Hidden Nature of Rosehill Quarry: Explore the diverse wildlife at Rosehill Quarry Community Park with an expert guide
2 PM | Free (booking required)

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

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THANKS 😊

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Catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew.

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72 fun things to do in Swansea (April 20th - 26th) 🦢