TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop - the local newsletter that's like filming fireworks on your phone and actually watching it back 😄

Remember, remember the 5th of November - or 6th, 7th, and 8th as the case is in Swansea this week. Fireworks will be lighting up the sky across the city - from a St Helen's superhero spectacular to Dunvant RFC’s massive independent display.

Plus, there's comedy with The Fast Show reunion, a chance to quiz Swansea legend Lee Trundle over dinner - and, if you fancy something quieter but just as magical, there’s a lantern walk at Parc le Breos on Gower.

Oh, and apparently an up and coming singer called… checks notes… Bob Dylan is in town, too 😊

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

Andrew

Sponsored by Swansea Victorian Christmas Fayre

Christmas in Swansea Starts Here 🎩

The Swansea Victorian Christmas Fayre returns to the city centre from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd November!

Wander through twinkling streets packed with handcrafted gifts, street food, mulled wine, carol singers, and Victorian street performers.

It's the perfect place to get festive, pick up unique presents, and soak up the seasonal spirit with family or friends.

Find the market on Oxford Street, Princess Way & Portland Street - it’s open daily from 10 AM (with a midday start on Thursday).

WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢

What better time than Halloween to share the story of the Swansea cinema where horror films were once shown in an actual crypt?

This week, we tell the story of Studio Cinemas - a wonderfully makeshift independent cinema once housed in a converted church, complete with salvaged seats, car speakers, and a screen that was projected via a homemade periscope.

THE DIGEST 📰

📻 The former home of Swansea Sound and The Wave radio station in Gowerton could be transformed into an ultra-fast electric vehicle charging hub.

📚 West Glamorgan Archive Service is preparing to move over 21,700 boxes of historic documents and nearly 20,700 photographs from the Civic Centre to their new home at Y Storfa in Swansea City Centre.

🌋 Swansea University volcanologist Dr Katie Preece is joining a groundbreaking international expedition to drill into the Japan Trench and investigate underwater volcanic activity that may influence earthquake behaviour.

🏊 IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea delivered a record-breaking £4.3 million boost to the city's economy this summer and has confirmed its return on July 12th, 2026.

FOOD & DRINK 🥙

🍕Papi’s Pizzeria New Menu: The authentic Italian pizzeria with venues in Uplands and Mumbles recently launched a new menu, featuring lasagne pizza (pictured).

🍳 R'n'B Brunch: DJs Blackmagic and Wicked serve up old and new R'n'B hits at The Swigg in Maritime Quarter with a happy hour from 5pm to 7pm.
5 PM - 11 PM | £6.13

🍷 Cheers Wine Merchants Winter Wine Tasting: Sample over 150 wines, spirits, and beers at Mumbles Cricket Club.
7 PM - 10.30 PM | £15

🍺 Cheese X Beer Tasting: Join Flynn's Delicatessen for an evening of five expertly paired artisan cheeses and craft beers, and the stories behind them.
6.30 PM - 9 PM | £22.38

@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱

This week on social, we shared something you’d never know as you stand next to Swansea Castle today…

Check out the reel below and give us a follow! We’re over 17,500 followers on Instagram and over 22,000 followers on Facebook!

SWANSEA PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT 🏡

This four-bedroom detached house in Birchgrove features an open plan kitchen, en-suite bathroom, and is just minutes from the M4. Offers in the region of £475,000 via Yopa.

🛍️ SWANSEA LOCAL BUSINESS

🧘 Escape Yoga has opened a new yoga studio on Mumbles Road in Mumbles.

🐶 Jolleys will open a branch of its pet shop chain at Parc Fforestfach on November 15th.

🎨 Elysium Gallery has completed the first phase of its refurbishment of the former JT Morgan department store, ahead of opening to the public next year.

🇵🇹 Madeira on the Kingsway has announced its closure - yesterday was its last day.

Foam Coffee has opened opposite Southend Gardens in Mumbles.

📦 A major distribution depot with space for 899 vans has been proposed at Penllergaer Business Park.

Local Fireworks Displays

🎆 Swansea Council Fireworks Display: Experience a superhero-themed entertainment and fireworks display at St Helen's Ground on Wednesday November 5th from 5 PM.

🎆 Pontarddulais Cricket Club Fireworks Display: On Wednesday November 5th; gates open at 5 PM, with fireworks at 7 PM.

🎆 Bonfire Night at The King Arthur Hotel: On Wednesday November 5th; gates open at 5 PM with fireworks display at 7 PM, plus outdoor BBQ.

🎆 Bishopston Firework Display: On November 5th; gates open at 6.15 PM for a 7 PM start. Refreshments and hot chocolate available.

🎇 Birchgrove RFC: On Wednesday November 5th, with fireworks at 7 PM and refreshments available.

🎆🎇 Penlan RFC: On Friday November 7th starting at 4 PM, with funfair rides, a fireworks display at 7 PM, live music, and more.

🎆 Dunvant RFC: Swansea's largest independent firework display on Friday November 7th. Gates open at 6 PM, display starts at 7:15 PM.

🎆 The Dingle, Morriston: On Saturday November 8th from 7 PM, with funfair and refreshments

Support the Scoop 💌

If you enjoy reading the Swansea Scoop every week and want to help us keep going strong, please consider supporting us for just £2 per month or a one-off tip at Buy Me A Coffee (no sign-up needed).

Big thanks to our 48 supporters so far, including the latest all round good eggs - Anna, Emma, and Jason!

Thank you 🙏

WHAT’S ON

Monday November 3rd


🏃‍♂️ Sport and Health Swansea for 50+: Enjoy diverse sport and health programs by Swansea Council, promoting active living through various activities around the city.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

🌹 Remembrance in Swansea: Honouring those who defend our freedom, there are various services and ceremonies across Swansea this week, including the Festival of Remembrance at Brangwyn Hall.
Various Times | Free

Tuesday November 4th

📽️ Philosophy at The Cinema:: Dive into the thought-provoking world of Truman Burbank's reality with a screening of 'The Truman Show,' followed by a talk and Q&A with a Swansea University Philosophy lecturer.
7.30 PM | Free

🛹 FREE Skate Only Tuesdays at Exist Skatepark: Enjoy a free, relaxed skate-only session at Exist Skatepark for all ages and abilities.
6 PM - 8 PM | Free entry, £2 booking fee

Wednesday November 5th

🎭 An Evening with The Fast Show: Original cast members Simon Day, Charlie Higson, and more reunite at Swansea Arena to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic TV show.
5 Nov 2025 | 7:30 PM | From £40.44

🎤 In The Name Of Love: The Diana Ross Story: Experience the world's premier show celebrating Diana Ross and The Supremes, at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £29.50

🎭 Becoming Richard Burton Exhibition: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Richard Burton's birth at the Taliesin’s Create Studio with an exhibition showcasing his journey from a local boy to a global star. Wednesdays until December 17th.
5 PM - 8 PM | Free

Thursday November 6th

🎤 An Evening with Lee Trundle: Join Swansea legend Lee Trundle at The New Valley in Bishopston for a football-themed night with Q&A, autographs, and charity auction. 7.30 PM | £20 (includes meal)

🎻 BBC NOW - Sounds of Nature: Experience a musical journey celebrating nature through Vaughan Williams, Ester Mägi, and Helen Grime compositions, at the Brangwyn Hall
7.30 PM | £10 - £20

🤣 John Bishop: 25: Comedian John Bishop brings his 25th-anniversary tour to Swansea Arena, celebrating his iconic career in stand-up comedy. Extremely limited tickets remaining.
6 - 7th Nov 2025 | £25 - £70

🎤 Magic of the Bee Gees: A tribute to music legends The Bee Gees with hits spanning the Sixties to Eighties, at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £35

🎤 Matt Richardson Comedy Show: Watch Matt navigate life in his 30s at Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing, from settling down in the countryside to struggling to keep the jokes clean.
7.30 PM | £19

🤣 Rogues' Gallery Comedy Club: Enjoy a night of comedy featuring Rachel Fairburn and Jeff Japers at Elysium Gallery & Bar.
7 PM | £8

🎶 Angharad Jenkins & Huw Warren: Jazz pianist Huw Warren and folk singer Angharad Jenkins collaborate on Folk Songs of Gower and Swansea, with themes of identity and language.
6 PM | £10.54

📚 Dr Luca Trenta in Conversation with Elaine Canning: Author Dr Luca Trenta discusses "The President's Kill List" with Elaine Canning at Waterstones Swansea.
6 PM | £3 - £28

Friday November 7th

🎸 I'm With Pulp, Are You? Mark Webber in Conversation: Pulp guitarist Mark Webber shares tales of the band's journey, from indie beginnings to Britpop fame at the Taliesin.
7.30 PM | £16

🎥 Monty Python and the FOLEY Grail: Join in a live sound effects experience enhancing the iconic Monty Python's Holy Grail. Dress up, shout lines, and more.
7.30 PM | £20 - £25

🎄 A Fairytale for Christmas: Enjoy the ultimate Irish Christmas concert at Swansea Grand Theatre, featuring festive favourites and iconic sing-along Irish classics
7 PM | £30.50 - £32.50

🎤 Hayley Ellis - Silly Mare: Join comedian Hayley Ellis as she navigates middle age, feminism, and true crime interests, at Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing.
7.30 PM | £15

Saturday November 8th

🎤 Carl Donnelly: Another Round: Join comedian Carl Donnelly at Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing for an evening of laughter discussing married life, fatherhood, and more.
7.30 PM | £18.00

🖼️ MiniPrint Cymru | Wales Exhibition: Join Mission Gallery and Swansea Print Workshop for the opening of the MiniPrint Cymru | Wales exhibition showcasing small-scale prints, paired with the launch of Mission Gallery's Christmas shop.
Saturday 08 & Sunday 09 November 2025 | 10 AM - 5 PM

🎶 Gŵyl NAWR 2025: Experience a day of left-field and experimental music and spoken word at Tŷ Tawe, featuring various artists.
12:00 PM | £15 or £20 with Ani Glass gig

🛍️ Mumbles Market: Monthly market at The Dairy Car Park in Mumbles, offering a variety of goods from local vendors.
9 AM - 1 PM

🏛️ Swansea Historical Association Talk: Explore 'Germanophobia' in Swansea during WW1, discussing anti-German sentiment post-First World War, at National Waterfront Museum.
11 AM | Free

🏮 Lantern Walk: Join a lantern walk at Parc le Breos. Meet at the car park with lanterns, tea lights, lighters, and torches.
4 PM

🤖 Future Tech Fun: Explore the Science Corner at Oriel Science with interactive activities like designing megachips, experimenting with smart circuits, and discovering how microchips influence our world.
Every Saturday & Sunday of November | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free

Sunday November 9th

📚 Book Talk: Chris Gregory’s ‘The Metamorphoses of Bob Dylan’: Author Chris Gregory delves into Bob Dylan's works from 1967-1990, exploring his songs, personal, and spiritual journey, at Elysium Gallery.
2 PM | £6.13

🍇 Marina Market: Monthly market at Dylan Thomas Square featuring fresh food and handcrafted goods.
10 AM - 3 PM

Bob Dylan: The legendary singer-songwriter plays the first of his three nightly shows at Swansea Arena. Tickets are sold out (your only hope is a resale site like Twickets), but tickets or not, there should still be a great atmosphere for this one in the city centre.

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Sponsored by Swansea Jazz Club

Catch incredible live jazz every Wednesday night at Swansea Jazz Club, the UK's longest running weekly jazz club! Check out the full schedule at swanseajazzland.co.uk.

Monday November 3rd
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Noah’s Yard | Jazz Club | 8.30 PM

Tuesday November 4th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

Wednesday November 5th
The Swigg | Swansea Jazz Club: Greg Abate (New York saxophonist and House Band) | 8 PM

Thursday November 6th
Patti Pavilion | CKY | 7 PM

Friday November 7th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Ty Tawe | Ani Glass | 7 PM
Koala Tree | Shandles | 6 PM
Elysium | Zed Motel | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Broken Fires | 6 PM

Saturday November 8th
Sin City | Coilguns | 7 PM
The Welfare | Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | Planet of Zeus | 6 PM

Sunday November 9th
The Bunkhouse | [spunge] | 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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