Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that’s still tipping sand out of its shoes from Tunes on the Bay.

There were two big announcements for the city centre this week: an update on the replacement for Debenhams and a new bar that I think is going to prove very popular! Keep reading for more on both.

Plus, there’s loads going on in Swansea this week (Saturday is especially busy!), with everything from a big Cheese & Cider fest on Gower to Swansea Pride and an Elvis tribute show. How’s that for variety?

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

Andrew.

WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢

This week saw the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked the official end to World War II in Europe. Learn how the people of Swansea celebrated after years of hardship -with two days of partying like the city had never seen before, or has seen since.

VE Day 1945: How Swansea Celebrated 🥳

THE DIGEST 📰

🏬 Three businesses will occupy Swansea's former Debenhams building by early 2026, with two retailers on the ground floor and a leisure operator above.

⚽ Swansea City FC has announced plans to open an official sports bar called 'The Swansea Jack' at Salubrious Place ahead of the 2025-26 season.

💰 Swansea mum Gemma Archer won £90,000 in the People's Postcode Lottery just 24 hours after surgery for a roller-skating injury to her arm and wrist.

📚 A new book compiles five volumes of First World War diaries by Swansea collier David Rees Thomas, chronicling his service with the 3rd Welsh Field Ambulance.

🚌 Kenny Beckers, a Swansea bus driver with nearly 60 years of service, was honoured at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

🏖️ Swansea has been ranked the UK's second most popular seaside resort in a new study, scoring highly for beach quality, affordability, and numerous attractions.

🏗️ Plans have been revealed for a 124-apartment retirement village in Winch Wen, Swansea, featuring community facilities, landscaped streets, and affordable housing units.

🏫 Oakleigh House School in Uplands is closing, ending over a century of education that included notable alumni Michael Heseltine, Eddie Izzard and Alun Wyn Jones.

QUESTION TIME 🙋

SWANSEA FOOD & DRINK 🍴

Looking for some fresh spots to eat and drink in Swansea this week? Try this lot out:

🍽️ The Gower Deli in Southgate has introduced weekend brunch specials featuring Greek-inspired dishes like Strapatsada, Greek Sausage Omelette, and Sicilian Caponata.

🍽️ Rasoi Waterfront (Mon-Fri) and Rasoi Indian Kitchen (Sat) have launched a new lunch deal, including a main and a side for £10.

🍽️ La Dolce Vita has launched its new spring/summer a la carte menu, including new starters like aromatic cod spheres and fresh Scottish scallops.

🍽️ Coast Cafe has launched a new meat-free buffalo bites focaccia sandwich, plus a new “nibbles” menu that includes bruschetta, olives, and haloumi poppers.

🍽️ Duck and Dough has launched a new focaccia pizza slice in three flavours - ham & mozzarella, home-made sundried tomatoes & rocket, and bacon & mozzarella.

@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱

This week, we shared a video about a historic Swansea landmark that most people have never visited - not even lifelong residents. Have you?

Check out our video on Instagram and give Swansea Scoop a follow while you’re there for lots of content that we can’t squeeze into the newsletter. We’re nearing 11,000 followers!

Find us at @swansea.scoop

SPITFIRE AT SWANSEA AIRPORT TODAY!

Swansea Airport will be teaming up with Fly A Spitfire again this summer to give you the chance to, you guessed it, fly a Spitfire. Well, I say fly, it’s more like take-control-of-the-plane-under-supervision-of-a-pilot-so-you-can-say-you’ve-flown-a-Spitfire flying.

Obviously still very cool, but also quite expensive, starting at over three grand for a 30-minute flight. I know.

But if you’re content with getting up close and personal with this World War 2 classic, it’s on show at Swansea Airport today from 9 AM.

Grab a cuppa in the Whirly Bird Cafe, hear the Spitfire engine roar, and maybe, just maybe… book yourself that once-in-a-lifetime ticket.

WHAT’S ON

Here comes a big round-up of everything else cool happening in Swansea this week. Ready? Let’s go!

Monday May 12th

📽️ Big Screen Sing-Along: The Albert Hall hosts sing-along screenings every Monday evening. Keep an eye on its social profiles for what's on, and get ready to belt out some favourites.
6 PM

Tuesday May 13th

🎵 Julian Clary - A Fistful of Clary: Join the flamboyant Julian Clary on a Western-themed musical journey, where lucky audience members can join him onstage for Wild West antics and comedy escapades.
7.30 PM | £32.00

🎵 Lunchtime Organ Recital-William Reynolds: Enjoy a free Lunchtime Organ Recital by William Reynolds at the Brangwyn Hall - a musical treat on Tuesday lunchtime.
12.45 PM | Free

😀 Kick-Ass Comedy Club: Enjoy an exciting lineup of comedians for a night of top-notch stand-up comedy at Socialdice, with MC: Gareth P. Morris.
7 PM | £2

Wednesday May 14th

🎵 Loserville Theatre Show: Gower College Swansea presents the rock-pop musical Loserville at the Taliesin Arts Centre. Follow Michael Dork and friends as they navigate 1971 with geeky charm and rock energy. Until Friday.
7.30 PM | £12.00

🎵 RWCMD Students Summer Concert: Enjoy a classical guitar performance by talented young players at the Sketty Park Community Centre. Tickets include refreshments at the interval.
7 PM | £10

🎵 Aljaž and Janette: A Night To Remember: Strictly Come Dancing stars Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara present a dance extravaganza with a live big band, showcasing a mix of music styles, at Swansea Arena.
From £29.36 (+ £3.95 transaction fee) | 7.30 PM

📚 Jeff Towns: The Wilder Shores Of Dylan Thomas: Join Dylan expert Jeff Towns for the launch of his new book at Mumbles Tabernacle, featuring 18 illustrated essays exploring lesser-known Dylan Thomas connections and a memoir of the author's remarkable life in the book trade.
6 PM | £5

Thursday May 15th

🎵 Brushstrokes in the Sand: Gower College Acting and Musical Theatre students creatively interpret paintings by Nick Holly through text, song, and dance, showcasing Welsh life against Swansea landmarks.
7.15 PM | £12.00

🛍️ May Madness Fashion Show: The Pettifor Trust is hosting a fundraising event at Sketty Community Church Hall. Browse pre-loved fashion, bric-a-brac, and join the raffle for great prizes.
2 PM - 4 PM | Free

👻 Swansea In Gloom Walking Tour: Uncover Swansea's dark past on a 1-mile guided walking tour through the old town, revealing tales of murder, ghosts, and debauchery. Limited tickets at time of writing.
7.30 - 9.30 PM | £11.55

💃 Deborah Light: An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge: Join Deborah Light in examining the connections between mother, bear, and fridge through a powerful dance/theatre experience, followed by tea, cake, and discussions.
7 PM |£8 - £18

Friday May 16th

🪩 Drag & Disco: An evening at Swansea Dockers Sports & Social Club featuring Drag Bingo, Raffle, Cabaret & Disco to support TPF Dance Students' West End performance fundraiser.
7 PM - 11 PM | £12

🍺 Gower Cheese & Cider Festival: Three-day celebration at Gower Heritage Centre featuring a diverse lineup of live music including The Wild Flowers, Kabbassa, Rob Lear Band, The Balkaneers, Whilbur, and many more, with Welsh and local artisan cheeses and craft ciders.
Friday 5.00 PM - late, Saturday 10.00 AM - late, Sunday 10.00 AM - 5.00 PM | £5 - £30

🕺 The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour: Direct from the USA, see Shawn Klush, Dean Z, and Ben Thompson, winners of Elvis tribute contests, perform with a live band in this acclaimed show.
7.30 PM | From £35 (+£3.95 transaction fee)

🎵 Swansea Excelsior Choir Annual Concert: Enjoy an evening of choral music at All Saints Church in Mumbles, featuring special guests City of Swansea Concert Band
 7 PM | £10

Saturday May 17th

😂 Russell Kane: HyperActive: Join Russell Kane for his brand-new show featuring high-energy physical comedy and sharp wit at Swansea Arena.
8 PM | From £35.17 (+£3.95 transaction fee)

🏳️‍🌈 Swansea Pride: Join the annual parade from Wind Street, followed by a full day of entertainment at the Guildhall Rotunda - no ticket required, just turn up!
From 11 AM | Free

🚗 Test Drive, Save Animals: Book a slot at Day's Drive 4 UR Community event at Llys Nini Animal Centre (Penllergaer), and for every new Ford EV test drive, £30 goes directly to animal rescue and care. Pre-booking essential via their online form. Thanks to Day's for the tip!

🧱 National Brick Events (LEGO): Dive into massive brick pits, explore rare LEGO sets for sale, life-size builds, interactive mosaics, all at Swansea City Football Club.
10 AM - 4 PM | From £8.54, Under 5s free.

🌍 One Killay: Celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity at St. Hilary's Church Hall featuring Latin American, Indian and African dance displays, national costumes, children's activities, live music, and more.
10.30 AM - 4.00 PM | Free

 🎶 MorgsFest 25: Gorseinon's community music festival in memory of Morgan Ridler, featuring two stages, children's entertainment, local stalls, food trucks, and support for families facing childhood cancer. Saturday and Sunday.
12 PM | £9.38 - £38.62

🎤 Morriston RFC 40th Annual Concert: Celebrate 40 years of Welsh Male Voice Choir traditions at Tabernacle Chapel. Featuring Morriston RFC Male Choir, 'Welsh of the West End,' and Parti Llwchwr.
7 PM - 9 PM | Adults from £17, Children from £10, Family Tickets from £50

🎵 Lleuwen A’r Band: Tafod Arian: A unique music event at the Taliesin Arts Centre featuring Lleuwen Steffan, blending film and sound archives to revive traditional Welsh hymns with modern arrangements.
7.30 PM | £20.00

🎵 Young Artists Platform Concert: Enjoy dynamic vocal and guitar duo Duo Cantelina in a concert featuring Spanish art songs and crossover arrangements at Swansea Grand Theatre.
1 PM | £7.50

🎵 Swansea Bach Choir - 60th Anniversary: "Come and Sing! - Dewch I Ganu!" celebration featuring Mozart's Requiem at Swansea Minster (St Mary's Church) with all welcome to participate.
10 AM - 3.45 PM | £15 - £20

🏃‍♀️ Swansea Pretty Muddy 5k: Join Cancer Research UK's obstacle course at Singleton Park, raising funds for life-saving cancer research. Choose your start time and get muddy for a good cause! Minimum fundraising target of £50.
From 11 AM | Adults £22.49, Children £12.00

👗 Kilo Sale: Salvation Army Donation Centre hosts a clothing sale event where you can fill your bag with ladieswear, kidswear and mens clothing for just £2 per kilo at its Gorseinon Road shop.
9 AM | £2 per kilo

🌿 Petallica Eco Market: Enjoy sustainable shopping at Petallica Flower Farm featuring local artisans including Payne's Pizza, Arthur's Stone Brewery, Rhannu Bakery, and many more.
10 AM - 2 PM | Free entry

🛍️ Penllergaer Pop Up Market: Visit Neuadd Llewelyn Hall for the first market of the year featuring a varied lineup of local businesses with food, drink, crafts and more.
11 AM - 3 PM

🎨 Colour Creations: Unleash your creativity with magic colour mixing and chromatography butterfly crafting every weekend in May at Oriel Science, for all ages.
10 AM - 4 PM | Free

🐶 Oriel Saturday Sessions: Colour: Discover how animals perceive colour through hands-on activities at Oriel Science, exploring vision differences and infrared cameras.
11 AM & 2 PM | Free

🐞 Looms and Botanical Collages: Children's workshop at Mission Gallery creating nature looms and botanical collages with provided materials, focusing on texture, colour, and shape.
11 AM - 12:30 PM | £8.30

😀 Alfie Moore: A Face for Radio: Join Alfie Moore's comedic journey from a steelworker to a BBC radio star in this hilarious show at Pontardawe Arts Centre.
7.30 PM | £22

Sunday May 18th

🥇 Swansea 5k Cancer Research UK Race for Life: Walk, jog, or run in Museum Park to fund life-saving cancer research, following a flat route along the Marina.
10 AM | £15.99 adults, £11.00 children | £50.00 fundraising target

🌈 Family Pride: Celebrate diversity at the National Waterfront Museum with a family picnic, walkabout characters, face painting, rainbow crafts, a mini-parade, kids' silent disco, bubbles, and confetti.
12 - 3 PM | Free

🐶 It's Paw-ty Time!: Dog-friendly party at The Swigg featuring a dog show, games, dog bags, treats and stalls, raising money for RSPCA Llys Nini.
11 AM - 3 PM | Free entry

🎨 Art Exhibition at Bar Saint James: Local Swansea artists including Sandra Kramcha and Huw Blacker showcase their work at Bar Saint James.
1 PM | Free

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Monday May 12th
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tuesday May 13th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

Wednesday May 14th
Cu Mumbles | QCBA Quartet | 8 PM

Thursday May 15th
Hippos | Open Mic | 4 PM
Elysium | Mr Bison | 7 PM

Friday May 16th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | Fisher Stevens Neil Diamond Tribute | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Grace Petrie | 6 PM
Sin City | Blaze Bayley | 7.30 PM
Pontardawe Arts Centre | Aynsley Lister | 7.30 PM


Saturday May 17th
HQ Urban Kitchen | Saturday Sessions | 1 PM
Patti Pavilion | Rammlied | 6 PM


Sunday May 18th
Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sundays | 8 PM
Patti Pavilion | King King | 7 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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