Swansea Scoop
Posts
🦢 Where is the circus in Swansea this week?

🦢 Where is the circus in Swansea this week?

Plus The Gower Show, 24 kids activities, World Class Brass Band

James M
July 28, 2024

Hello, Swansea! There’s loads going on across the city this week, including some very unique events and activities. Enjoy!

In this week’s Swansea Scoop:

Big Top Circus fun
The Gower Show returns
24 summer holiday activities for kids
… and tons more!

Let’s get to it.

— James

P.S. If you enjoy the Swansea Scoop, please subscribe using the box at the bottom of the page to receive it for free every week! 🙂

THE DIGEST

Green Man of Kilvey Hill Gets A Face Lift 🦸‍♂️

The famous green man of Kilvey Hill has had a much-needed makeover, thanks to the Kilvey Woodland Volunteers and Bony Play Group. The imposing metal figure has guarded the hill for over 20 years, and has now been given a brand new face, a fresh coat of paint and a good stuffing of green moss.

Students Plant 300 Trees to Mark Graduation 🌲

Swansea University students have marked their 2024 graduation by planting over 300 trees of 16 varieties in a Townhill woodland. Organised by the Swansea University Tree Society, each tree represents a graduate from the School of Biosciences, Geography, and Physics.

Rhossili Toilets Looking Flush 🚽

The public toilets at Rhossili beach in Gower have undergone a £160,000 upgrade. The renovation, paid for by Swansea Council and the Welsh Government's ‘Brilliant Basics’ fund, included doubling the number of women's cubicles, adding unisex and accessible toilets, installing LED lighting, and fitting a water bottle filling station.

@SWANSEA.SCOOP

📷 @jemimamepham

Tag @Swansea.Scoop on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Plans Revealed For Mumbles Pier Hotel 🏨

Plans to redevelop Mumbles Pier could begin next year, its owners say - including 26 foreshore flats, a 69-bed hotel, and completing the long-term restoration of the pier. The hotel will feature a function suite, restaurant, and private balconies.

Final Food Vendor for Albert Hall Revealed 🇨🇳

MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen has revealed that he will open a new restaurant in the food hall of the re-developed Albert Hall in Swansea city centre. Known for blending traditional Chinese flavours with a Western twist, XO will offer dishes such as Katsu, small plates, noodles, and his signature Bao Burger.

Swansea Vegan Mini Market Returns 🥗

Mark your calendars for Saturday August 3rd when Swansea Market will host the regular Swansea Vegan Mini Market from 10 AM - 3 PM.

WHAT’S ON

The Gower Show 2024 🐄

Featuring a novelty dog show, horse show, cookery, arts and crafts, and tons more for the family to enjoy - The Gower Show is not just a chance for local farmers to show off the very best of their animals and crops, but a way to highlight how important agriculture is to the local area. The event is held in the picturesque Penrice Castle Park on Sunday August 4th from 9 AM to 5.30 PM.

Art Exhibit at Fforestfach Retail Park 🖼️

Move over Glynn Vivian, there's a new art gallery in town - the old Homesense and Outfit stores in Parc Fforestfach Retail Park (yes, really). Organised by Photographic Angle, a carefully curated collection of images from around the World on the theme of 'Architecture' will be on display in the units until July 31st. The exhibition is open from 10 AM - 3 PM.

Free World Class Brass Band Concert 🎺

Did you know that Swansea University's Bay Campus is host to the International Brass Band Summer School? It’s a chance for students to learn from the pros and have a great time while staying in the city. On Friday August 2nd at 7 PM, the school will hold the 32nd International Brass Band Summer School Gala Concert in The Great Hall - a chance to listen to students and world-class brass soloists including Owen Farr and Tom Hutchinson. The event is free!

Live Drawing Class With A Difference ✏️

Book into Cinema and Co. for an immersive drawing class co-hosted by POISE and led by artist Carl Chapple on Sunday August 4th at 6 PM. After a welcome drink, you’ll be treated to a performance by a professional dancer who will then act as the model for a drawing class. Everyone is welcome and will be provided with charcoal, paper, and drawing boards.

Happy Circus Rolls into Penllergaer 🎪

Roll up, Roll up! The Happy Circus is coming to Penllergaer Sports Field on Thursday August 1st. There’ll be a full Big Top show packed with amazing circus acts, plus numerous food trucks in the car park of Llewellyn Hall. Tickets are just £5 each (under 2s go free). The field opens at midday, with the Big Top opening at 1.30 PM ready for the show to pre-show at 1.40 PM and main show at 2 PM.

90s Welsh Pop Book Talk 📕

Head down to Waterstones in Swansea city centre on July 31st for a special event celebrating the “Cool Cymru” decade. Neil Collins, author of International Velvet, which charts the story of pop music in Wales during the 90s is in conversation with Swansea’s own Pooh Sticks front-man, Huw Williams. The event kicks off at 6 PM.

Tattoo Parlour Photography Exhibition 📸

"Project Highwater: One Half of a Whole Decade" recently launched at Volcano Theatre - a photography exhibition by Lucy Higgins. The exhibition documents the first five years of Highwater Gallery Tattoo Studio in Swansea, celebrating the artistic journey, growth, diverse clientele, and community bonds formed since its opening in 2019. The exhibition continues until August 9th.

UK-First Tango Festival Launches in Swansea 💃🏻

The Welsh Tango Nuevo Festival - the UK’s first of its kind, kicks off in Swansea University’s Singleton Campus on Friday August 2nd at 6 PM. The weekend consists of workshops, Neolongas playing Nuevo and alternative music from DJs Lorenzo, Ali Pickard, Paul Anderson and Chris Storey plus live music from Cabaret Tango - and the chance to book private dancing lessons from the pros.

Learn Welsh Through Music at the Museum 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

One of Wales’ leading Celtic harpists, Delyth Jenkins, will be at the National Waterfront Museum on August 3rd from 11 AM. If you’re a Welsh speaker or learner, you’re invited to join in to learn Welsh through song in a fun and informal way. The event is free, but donations to the museum are welcome.

Plant and Craft Sale in the Three-Cornered Field 🌱

Hidden away at the top of Sketty near Swansea College is the three-cornered field, which volunteers have been working hard to make a well-loved community space. Head down on Saturday August 3rd for its monthly plant and craft sale, from 10 AM - 1 PM.

Tool Sharpening Workshop in the Woods 🗡️

If you go down to the woods today… you’ll learn how to sharpen your tools. The Environment Centre invites you for a tour of Dai Morris’ coppice and workshop in Bishops Wood, where you’ll learn how to keep your tools, knives, and other pointy objects in tip-top condition. The event takes place at 10 AM on Sunday August 4th.

Free Canoeing for 60+, Free Chess Club for 50+ 🛶

Swansea Council is inviting people over 60 to try out canoeing, completely free. Head down (booking required) to Coed Gwilym Park on August 2nd at 10.30 AM to give it a go, hosted by The Canal Society.

For something gentler, Common Meeple Board Game Cafe, again with Swansea Council, is hosting free chess club sessions for over 50s - the next is on Monday July 29th from 7 PM - 9 PM.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN 🌞

Grown-ups, I want to help you with at least one idea every day to keep the children busy throughout the summer holiday - either free, cheap, or a bit more of a treat. Like this list? Please forward it to a friend who desperately needs it!

Monday July 29th 🚲

Kids aged 8-14 can join Swansea Sport and Health for a Cycle Adventure Day from Morriston to Clydach, followed by canoeing. Bikes can be provided. Free. Booking required.
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the RSPCA, Llis Nini has launched a free heritage trail, featuring puzzles to solve and the chance to win tickets to its Halloween Pumpkin festival.

Tuesday July 30th 🎭

Join Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends in their fun-filled In The Night Garden live show at The Grand Theatre at 10 AM.
It's Tots Disco at Mumbles Pier every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays. This week, JJ from Cocomelon will be dropping by for two sessions - at 10.30 AM and 11.30 AM. £5 per child | Booking required.
Head to the Rechabite Hall in Gowerton for a free Summer Kids’ Club from 10.30 AM until 12 PM - including games, challenges, puppets, Bible stories, songs, and prizes. The event is also on at the same time the following day. No booking required.
Lush on Oxford Street in Swansea has a bath bomb-making workshop instore from midday to 3 PM. Booking required | £5.
Join The Shared Plate at the Summit Good Farm in Dunvant for lots of free fun including cooking, seed planting, outdoor building and arts and crafts. Free (donations welcome) | Ages 9-14.
Join the National Trust for a Summer of Play event at Rhosilli, every Tuesday to Thursday from July 20th to August 29th from 9 AM - 12 PM - including football, volleyball, hula hooping, and welly-wanging! Free. Car parking charges apply.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until the end of August from 2 PM - 4 PM, MAD on High Street in the city centre is offering taster workshops and activities for children and young people, including programming, computer games, robotics and virtual reality games. Free | Booking required.

Wednesday July 31st ✂️

Penderi families, Swansea Community Farm is hosting its annual Family Volunteer Day from 10 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM - 3 PM - a chance to get stuck in working with the animals, helping in the gardens, and spending time as a family. Penderi families only | Free | Booking required.
Head down to Founders & Co. on Wind Street for free arts & crafts sessions every Monday and Wednesday from July 29th to August 28th, between midday and 3 PM. Each week features a different theme. Free. No booking required.

Thursday August 1st 🥁

Pop down to The Hide in Brynmill Park for free family drumming sessions with Rhythm of Play and One Heart Drummers. There are two sessions - 1.30 PM - 2.30 PM and 3 PM - 4 PM.
Evolve, Swansea Council’s Young People’s Service is hosting City Chill in St Davids (opposite St Mary’s Church) from 2 PM - 6 PM - a place for creative, relaxing, fun, and healthy activities. Free.
Join XL Wales at the National Waterfront Museum at 12 PM and 2 PM to turn cardboard boxes into cool creations in its Summer Cardboard Box Big Build. This workshop will use Makedo - simple tools that facilitate the creation of something new from up-cycled, low-tech cardboard. Age 7+ | £2.50 | Booking required | Bring 3-4 cardboard boxes.

Join in at St Mary's Church in central Swansea for its Kids Holiday Funday from 10.30 AM - 2 PM. There'll be crafts, games, and a free colouring book for every child that attends. Plus, a free lunch is provided.
Every Thursday in August, Founders & Co. will have a table dedicated to LEGO, where kids can freely explore and build their own creations between 12 PM and 3 PM.

Friday August 2nd 🦕

It’s Dino Day down at Llys Nini in Penllergaer, featuring a Dinomania live show and the chance to meet Ranger Chris and his gang of prehistoric creatures - including an 8ft T-Rex. There are two shows, at 11 AM and 2 PM. £10 per child, £2 per adult | Booking required.
Dance the afternoon away in South Penlan Community Centre in its Children’s Summer Disco, from 1.30 PM - 3.30 PM. There’ll be free refreshments for all and a free hotdog for children (while stocks last!). Ages 8 - 14 preferred. Free. No booking required.
Drop into Volcano Theatre’s High Street Hangout for free artist-led workshops every Friday until August 30th, from 10 AM - 2 PM - including graffiti, creature collage, and paint a mini space canvas. Free. Booking required.

Saturday August 3rd 🐉

The Chinese in Wales Association is hosting a fun interactive story-telling and craft workshop in the IT Hub (first floor) at Swansea Grand Theatre from 10.30 AM - 11.30 AM. Free. Booking required.
SOFIT will hosting a free family fitness class on Swansea Beach at 10 AM - 10.45 AM. Meet them at the recreation ground car park near Singleton Park.

Sunday August 4th 😊

Mumbles Pier’s summer of fun continues with Kids Club and Games, with free entertainment from Purple Penguin from 12 PM - 3 PM, followed by live music from 5 PM - 8 PM.

COUNCIL NEWS

Free Bus Rides Return for Summer Holidays 🚌

Swansea Council has reintroduced its free bus travel scheme for the summer holidays, running from July 26 to August 26 on weekends (Friday to Monday) on all bus journeys starting and finishing within the Swansea Council area until 7 PM. The initiative aims to support families during the cost-of-living crisis by offering free rides for shopping, visiting friends, and exploring local attractions.

WEATHER

Monday
22🌡️ 13 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 N 5 mph

Tuesday
23 🌡️ 15 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 N 5 mph

Wednesday
22 🌡️ 14 | 🌦️ | 50% | 💨 NE 5 mph

Thursday
20 🌡️ 14 | 🌦️ | 35% | 💨 E 10 mph

Friday
19 🌡️ 12 | 🌦️ | 20% | 💨 E 13 mph

Saturday
18 🌡️ 14 | 🌧️ | 25% | 💨E 10 mph

Sunday
18 🌡️ 14 | 🌧️ | 65% | 💨 E 10 mph

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

July 31st

CU Mumbles | Fiesta Resistance | 8 PM
The Black Boy | Open Mic | 9 PM

August 1st

August 2nd

August 3rd

August 4th

Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sunday | 8 PM

SPORTS NEWS ⚽

Jamie Paterson's return to Swansea City seems unlikely as his future remains uncertain. Now a free agent after his contract expired, the 32-year-old has not signed a new deal offered by Swansea and hasn't participated in pre-season preparations. He scored 17 goals in 109 appearances since joining in 2021, and eight goals last season.

THANKS

Thanks for reading the Swansea Scoop. If you found something useful, share it with a friend who still has a Penscynor Wildlife Park car sticker.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up

Want to advertise your business in the Swansea Scoop? Let’s chat

Did I miss something? Got a gig listing? Let me know

Reply

or to participate.