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Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that’s like finding the end of the Sellotape straight away 😊

In this week’s Swansea Scoop:

🎯 A Night At the Darts!
😂 Two live comedy shows!
❤️ Valentine’s at the Zoo!
… and tons more!

We did it! After approximately 4,634 days, January is over and we can finally leave the month of dark afternoons and forgotten gym memberships behind us.

February in Swansea starts with plenty of chances to grab your friends and have some fun - from darts and comedy, to quizzes, discos, and family-friendly events.

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

Andrew.

P.S. We passed over 5,000 subscribers this week! Thank you all for reading and sharing the Swansea Scoop! 😊

Long before domestic fridge freezers or even Iceland supermarkets, Swansea’s wealthiest residents used a novel way to keep frozen food all year round.

Read the story of Swansea’s forgotten ice houses - and maybe even hunt them down yourself.

🟩 Swansea Arena is no more: say hello to the Swansea Building Society Arena. The venue’s got a new sponsor, fresh green branding, and it’s celebrating with a chance for one lucky person to win a year’s worth of entertainment.

🍾 The Ceylon Lounge will hold its grand opening on Friday, February 7th. You’ll find it in the former Bar Americanos unit in SA1. It promises craft cocktails, tasty bites, and killer music.

🎸 Supergrass, Feeder, Jake Bugg, and a DJ set from Matt Horne (of Gavin & Stacey fame) will headline the Saturday night of this summer’s Tunes on the Bay, Swansea’s first-ever beach festival.

🛋️ Swansea Council and Pobl Group are working together to convert the grade two-listed former central police station into temporary supported accommodation, to provide around 65 rooms for homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness.

🐱 Jollyes, which describes itself as the UK’s fastest-growing pet retailer has announced that it will be opening a new store at Parc Fforestfach Retail Park in May 2025.

Looking for some new eats this week? Here are a handful around Swansea to try out:

🍽️ Langland’s Brasserie has opened for 2025, and it’s been counting down the reasons why you should visit - including breakfast with a view, sharing platters, and fish & chips by the sea.

🍽️ The Storyteller is now serving a classic Sunday roast - beef silverside, chicken supreme, or a vegan en croute - with a free bottle of beer or glass of wine when you book a table in advance.

🍽️ 2-4-1 Pizza & Quiz: Brewstone’s popular weekly quiz night, Brewniversity Challenge, returned last week, with cash prizes to be won and two-for-one pizzas and happy hour deals all night.

🍽️The Tangled Parrot is hosting a night of delicious Moroccan food this Thursday, February 6th, surrounded by North African sounds and a slideshow of Joujouka featuring the legendary Master Musicians.

🍽️ Grandad Needs His Medicine (which recently announced that it’s opening a second sandwich shop in Sketty) offers an Early Bird Breakfast Club from 9 AM to 10 AM - any breakfast sandwich, hot drink, and hash brown for £5.

🍽️ Fit And Fresh Cafe (based inside The Ware-house Gym in Cwmdu) has recently launched some new and unique menu options including a cheeseburger pizza wrap and M&M cookie dough protein balls.

The success of teenage superstar, Luke Littler, has sky-rocketed the popularity of darts over the past year or so. And now, a selection of the sport’s top stars are swapping the splendour of Alexandra Palace for the equally mesmerising Mecca Bingo in Swansea for A Night at the Darts.

Darts Premier League competitors “The Asp”, Nathan Aspinall and “The Bullet” Stephen Bunting, will be joined by Joe Cullen and Jonny Clayton for an exhibition event on Friday February, 7th.

General admission starts at £35, with pricier tickets getting you a VIP meet and greet, photos with the players, and even a chance to throw darts with them on stage.

Now, where did I put that Super Mario costume? Der, der, der, der, der…. der, der, der, der, der… der, der, der, der, der …oi, oi, oi! 😄

Looking for something fun to do this week in Swansea? Feast your eyes on this lot.

📷 Free Mindful Photography: Join Happy Headwork at Penllergare Woodland Wellbeing Centre for a free mindful photography taster session and nature walk, to explore the art of slowing down, being present, and capturing the beauty around you. Also at Gower Heritage Centre on Thursday, February 6th.
10 AM - 2 PM | Free (booking required)

🎹 Free Organ Recital: Head down to the Brangwyn Hall for the first of a series of three, free lunchtime organ recitals - the perfect antidote to a gloomy winter afternoon. Today, the organist is John Wright. All are welcome!
Free | 12.45 PM

🎻 Avatar: The Last Airbender Live Orchestra: Experience Avatar: The Last Airbender like never before at Swansea Arena tonight, with a live orchestra performing the series' iconic soundtrack alongside a two-hour recap of its three seasons on a cinema screen.
7.30 PM | From £37.12

✏️ Life Drawing: Join Elysium Gallery for a friendly, informal life drawing session in a relaxed environment. Materials are provided and a drink from the bar is included.
6 PM | £8

😄 Live Comedy: Duck Phaser Comedy Club will be at The Cross Keys pub in the city centre, showcasing a selection of rising stars and comedy circuit favourites - headlined by circuit legend, John Newton.
8 PM | £3

🚶‍♀️ Free Breathwork Nature Walk: Join Ryan Stephens at Fendrod Lake for a nature walk and the chance to learn breathwork techniques - plus a warm drink. Various other dates and venues soon, including Mumbles, Swansea Bay and Bracelet Bay.
10 AM | Free

🎤 Queen Musical: Harry’s Youth Theatre takes to the Swansea Grand Theatre stage with We Will Rock You Young@Part, an adaptation of the West End musical featuring Queen’s greatest hits.
2 PM & 7 PM | £19 - £24

🪈 The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight returns to Swansea Arena with a 90-minute fusion of iconic rock and metal anthems performed by 14 classical musicians. Limited tickets available!
7.30 PM | From £40.50

😄 Rogues’ Gallery Comedy Club: Join Elysium for a night of comedy, with acts Liam Farrely, Steffan Evans, and MC Chris Barnes.
Last entry 7.20 PM | £8 Adv / £10 on the door

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Welsh Music & Stories: Join singer/songwriter, Neil Rosser, at Ty Tawe for an acoustic evening of songs and stories to celebrate this year’s Welsh Language Music Day.
7 PM | £8

🫖 Tea Dance: Phillip & Gaynor Evans from Dance Kingdom in Llanelli are hosting a Tea Dance at the Brangwyn Hall. Join them for an afternoon of music, dance, and cake.
2 PM | £10

🍺 Poems, Pints & Music: Head down to Mumbles Cricket Club for a night of bilingual poetry, drinks, and live music to raise funds for Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025.
7 PM | £10

❤️ Love Your Zoo: Celebrate Valentine’s season at Plantasia from February 8th-14th with special activities including card-making, and a Love Birds trail.
General Admission Applies

Family Arts And Crafts: HQ Urban Kitchen is hosting its Family Arts at the Weekend workshops on Saturday mornings until the end of the month, with ideas and tutoring throughout.
10.30 AM - 12 PM

👛 Mumbles Market: Head to the Dairy Car Park in Mumbles for a big gathering of local vendors selling everything from food and drink to crafts, art and clothes.
9 AM - 1 PM

📖 Poetry and Book Launch: Join Cover to Cover and Mumbales for an evening of poetry at the launch of Thrall: Poems and Art, a collaboration between acclaimed poet Robert Minhinnick and poet-artist Laura Wainwright.
5 PM | Free

🪩 Disco for Grownups: Party away 70s disco, 80s pop, and 90s dance anthems at the Disco for Grown-ups at the Brangwyn Hall tonight. Stay for all three hours, and still be home for bed by midnight. Bliss.
7.15 PM - 23.30 PM | From £9.75

🧑‍🎨 Meet the Artists: Join Jackie Morris (The Lost Words) and Jay Griffiths (Wild: An Elemental Journey) at Taliesin Arts Centre for The Art of Connection, an evening exploring our relationship with nature and the living world. This Go Green event includes talks, a Q&A, and book signings.
7.30 PM | £15

🐉 Chinese New Year Family Fun: Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 at the National Waterfront Museum with a free festival welcoming the Year of the Snake. There’ll be music, crafts, a Chinese Dragon Dance display, and lots more.
Free | 11 AM - 3 PM

🚶 Winter Wildlife Walk: Enjoy a walk hosted by Menter Abertwaw and led by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, to learn about the unique wildlife that lives on Crymlyn Bog. Suitable for Welsh speakers of all levels.
11 AM (registration required)

👚 Marina Market: Head down to Dylan Thomas Square where local traders bring you the best local produce, food and drink, clothes, jewellery, art, and more.
10 AM - 3 PM

👰 Wedding Fayre: Looking to tie the knot? There’s a fun and inclusive Wedding Fayre at the Albert Hall this afternoon, hosted by Flashbulb - with unique suppliers, interactive games, and a chance to win a giant bottle of bubbly.
11 AM - 3 PM

This week in Swansea Stories, we meet local artist, Amy Jackson, whose ultra-realistic pointillism portraits consist of thousands of dots and can take up to 200 hours to complete.

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a neurodivergent Welsh freelance artist and designer based in Swansea. Specialising in a pointillism or dotwork style, my illustrations explore social and environmental themes with a twist. From logos to large murals, my surreal designs have been featured in films and magazines, including my NHS Portrait Series. I strive to create a sense of comfort and warmth in my illustrations, echoing the past and Welsh culture.

What inspired you to become an artist?
I had a tough time in school as I suffer from various anxiety disorders including selective mutism. At school, I found solace in the art classroom and realised that it was something that I wanted to pursue. As my skills developed, I found that I could communicate through art when I couldn’t use words. Art became my voice.

Favourite spots in Swansea?
Some of my favourite spots in Swansea are green spaces such as Clyne Gardens and the Bracelet Bay coastal path. I find walking along the coastal path in Langland very relaxing and rewarding for my mental health. The views themselves are scenic and underrated by most.

In terms of small businesses, I love the Haystack Café; it’s a great place to stop and grab some lunch or just a coffee and a catch up with a friend. Another hidden gem is Grandad Needs His Medicine, a small sandwich shop on the high street which is as quirky as it’s name.

What’s a memorable experience or moment you’ve had in Swansea?
A moment that stands out is when I had the opportunity to exhibit at Singleton Hospital with my NHS Portrait Series. Not only is it an honour to receive such recognition, it’s almost a full circle moment as I was born prematurely at 24 weeks, weighing 1.9 Ibs and spent 4 and a half months in the same hospital. Having struggled with various health issues throughout my life and being neurodivergent, it felt fitting to honour the NHS in this way.

Another moment that stands out is when I launched my business with the Prince’s Trust (now the King’s Trust), which provided so much support and encouragement throughout the years.

Where can people find out more about you?
To find out more about me and my work, head over to my social media or my website to find up-to-date pop-ups, exhibitions and even open calls for new projects!

Check out Amy’s website at AJ Illustration and follow her on Instagram (@ajillustration)

Looking to try something new in Swansea? Here’s a selection of fun activities:

✈️ The 215 (City of Swansea) Squadron of the Air Cadets is holding an intake evening for children aged 12-16 on February 18th. Register your interest here. Thanks to Tracey for the tip!

🛶 Swansea Canoe Polo Club is looking for new members to join its women’s team - women and girls aged 13+ are welcome - at Amman Valley Leisure Centre on February 6th.

🌻 GRAFT invites volunteers to help tend to the garden at the National Waterfront Museum, with the chance to cook and try woodwork, too. Every Friday, from 10 AM - 3 PM.

🥳 Full of Graze has teamed up with Wild Minds Gower to launch Friday Night Rave & Run on the last Friday of every month at 6.30 PM - a new way to party and socialise, with food and drinks back at Full of Graze afterwards.

Monday February 3rd
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tuesday February 4th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM
Altitude 28 | Jazz Thursdays | 8 PM

Wednesday February 5th
Cu Mumbles | Danny Moss Jr / Damian Denyer Quartet | 8 PM

Thursday February 6th
Hippos | Open Mic | 4 PM
Waterloo Stores | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Gin & Juice | Live Lounge Thursdays | 7.30 PM
Ty Tawe | Tara Bethan | 7 PM
Pontardawe Arts Centre | Celine Dion Tribute | 7.30 PM

Friday February 7th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Bonnie Rogues | After Work Perks | 8 PM
The Oyster House | Friday Night Live | 8 PM
Gower Inn | Live Music Night | 7 PM
Cu Mumbles | Hot Club Gallois | 8 PM
Taliesin Arts Centre | Eliza Carthy | 7.30 PM
The Bunkhouse: Dydd Miwsig Cymru: TWST, Meld Lois, Wrenna | 7 PM
The Swigg | General Levy | 5 PM
Glanrhyd Coronation Club & Institute | Valley Noize | 7.30 PM
Hippos | The Balkaneers | TBA
Swansea Building Society Arena | The Iridium Collective + James Morgan

Saturday February 8th
HQ Urban Kitchen | Saturday Sessions | 1 PM
Bonnie Rogues | Live Music at Bonnie’s | 6 PM
The Swigg | Bower and Mercer Duo | 4 PM
The Swigg | Stripey Suits Band | 8 PM
Sin City | Kamikaze Test Pilots | 7 PM

Sunday February 9th
Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sundays | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | The Hara | 7 PM
Elysium | Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black + The Iridium Collective | 7 PM

Got a gig coming up that you want me to include? Reply to this email to let me know!

Thanks for reading the Swansea Scoop. If you found something useful, share it with a friend whose dog can do tricks.

Catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew.

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