Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that’s like when you reach the front of a long queue 😊

Have you had a good week? We attended the sold out Orange Circus Band show at Pantygwydr Church in the Uplands yesterday afternoon. Great bluegrass music and lots of families all enjoying!

Coming up this week, there’s everything from medieval battles at Oystermouth Castle to an eco flower market, and a dog show with loads of prizes on offer. I don’t know about you, but it’s only March, and I already regret not buying a bigger calendar for 2025.

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

Andrew.

P.S. Congrats to Nicola Turner who won our giveaway of Afternoon Tea for Two at the Welsh House! Thanks to the hundreds of you who entered!

WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢

This week, I shared the story of Swansea’s Amy Dillwyn. When she took control of a failing zinc smelting works in the 1890s, she defied all Victorian expectations to become one of Britain's first female industrialists - and changed Swansea's history forever.

Read Amy Dillwyn: Swansea’s Original Female Boss

THE DIGEST 📰

💰 Swansea green-keeper Darren Burfitt drove around for four months with a winning EuroMillions ticket worth £1 million stashed in his car.

🎨 Community groups have created inspiring public art on eight large panels around the city center's emerging Y Storfa community services hub.

🚗 A public consultation has opened on proposals to increase the speed limit from 20mph to 30mph on 17 roads throughout Swansea.

🏛️ The University of Wales Trinity St David has officially opened its Innovation Matrix building at Swansea's SA1 Waterfront

🚧 Lone Road in Clydach, Swansea will close from May 12 until June 6 to improve safety at the dangerous junction of Gellionnen Road and Vardre Road.

🌊 The coastal footpath between Limeslade and Rotherslade will receive a £80,000 upgrade to complete another 250m section with a wider accessible concrete surface.

🎬 Workers at Swansea's Castle Cinema have unearthed 1980s memorabilia as Beacon Cymru prepares to redevelop it into 30 apartments and commercial spaces.

SWANSEA FOOD & DRINK 🍴

Swansea's restaurants are pulling out all the stops for Mother's Day this year. Here are just a handful of options for you to choose from:

Refinery Coffeehouse & Roasters is hosting a coffee tasting evening with SkyLark Coffee on Friday April 4th at 6 PM. Tickets are free, but there were only a few left at the time of writing.

Venue 42 is launching a weekly vegan food menu on Tuesday April 1st, complete with deals on small plates, sharing platters, and drinks.

Swansea Bay Market plays host to Hills Brecon once again on Sunday April 6th - the Powys restaurant is renowned for its huge, award-winning burgers.

Koubo Coffee opened in Morriston a few weeks ago, but its only now added some stylish signage so you can easily spot it! Head down to try its coffee, cakes, and pastries.

XO has launched a refreshed menu at its base in the Albert Hall, including bao buns filled with beef bulgogi, fried chicken, ,loaded fries, and more.

@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱

We visited a brand new coffee shop in Swansea this week, with great food and a stunning view over the bay. Can you guess where it is?

Check out our video on Instagram and give Swansea Scoop a follow while you’re there for lots of fun content that we can’t squeeze into the newsletter.Over 1,000 more people followed us this week - thanks!). We’re at @swansea.scoop

SWANSEA PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT 🏡

Looking for a new home or just curious to see what’s out there? I’ve picked out a new-to-market property in Swansea that might catch your eye.

3-Bed Detached Bungalow | Llwynmawr Road, Tycoch, SA3 | Offers in the region of £315,000 

A 3-bed detached dorma bungalow with 2 bathrooms, bay views, oak flooring throughout, garage, driveway, and decked garden area. Located in Tycoch near Sketty Primary School.

Interested? View the property on Zoopla and contact Shepherd Homes.

WHAT’S ON

Shining a spotlight on everything fun Swansea has to offer this week. Ready? Let’s go!

Monday March 31st

🌱 Here in This Spring Self-Led Activities: Free family-friendly nature and wildlife themed activities at the Dylan Thomas Centre, including creative writing, animal puppets, puzzles, board games, and make-your-own seed packets. Running now until May 5th.
10 AM - 4 PM (various dates) | Free

Tuesday April 1st

🎮Family Fortunes Gameshow Night: Join Socialdice Board Game Cafe for a night of fun based on the popular TV show, Family Fortunes - with prizes to be won!
6 PM | £3

🏴‍☠️ Pirates Love Underpants: A swashbuckling adventure at Swansea Grand Theatre based on the beloved children's book, featuring music, puppetry and a quest for the fabled Pants of Gold - guaranteed to get the little ones giggling.
1.30 PM | £17

Wednesday April 2nd

🎭 Rough Diamonds: Enjoy a showcase of Swansea University Creative Writing MA performance pieces at the Taliesin Arts Centre - featuring big laughs, powerful political insights, and dramatic moments from talented emerging writers.
7 PM | £5

🌸Flower Arranging Demonstration: Join Swansea Floral Arrangement Society at Christ Well United Reformed Church in Manselton for an afternoon with Beverly Clay demonstrating spring-themed flower arrangements - discover the best ways to display flowers to their full effect.
2 PM | £8

Thursday April 3rd

😂 Rogues Gallery Comedy Club feat Kev Mud: UK Pun Champion Kev Mud brings his debut show, Homeless Sex Biscuit, to Elysium, exploring hard-hitting subjects through comedy and proving light can be found in even the darkest places.
7 PM - 11 PM | £7.21-£11.55

📚 Natasha Pulley - The Hymn to Dionysus: Join bestselling author Natasha Pulley at Waterstones Swansea as she discusses her new novel, a captivating reimagining of the Greek God of ecstasy and madness.
6 PM | £5 (admission only) or £25 (with book)

🏞️ Paviland Cave and the Red Lady: Poet and editor Matthew Smith presents a talk at Swansea Museum arguing for the return of the 'Red Lady' to Swansea - a bilingual Welsh/English event organised by the Royal Institution of South Wales.
6.30 PM | Free

Friday April 4th

💃 Spring Dance: A village hall fundraiser at Horton Village Hall featuring live music by the Hullabaloo Band, with ticket price including a burger and entertainment.
7 PM | £15

💃 SU Dance Society: Annual Showcase: A celebration of dance at Taliesin featuring over 15 different dance styles with a range of technical levels, presented by Swansea University's student-run dance society.
7.30 PM | £11 (Full price), £7.50 (Students/Under 26)

Saturday April 5th

🛡️ Oystermouth Castle Opens: Step back in time at Oystermouth Castle on its opening day of the year, with family-friendly exhibitions of medieval coin minting, textiles, weaponry, arrow design, music and battle demonstrations, plus more.
11 AM - 4 PM | Normal castle admission applies

🥦 The Swansea Vegan Mini Market: Join Brontosaurus Vegan Lifestyle Store and friends for a vegan haven in the center of Swansea Indoor Market, featuring a variety of vegan food, products and goods.
10 AM - 3 PM

🛍️ Popup-y-Bont Easter Market: Easter-themed pop-up market featuring local food and craft vendors at The Circle (top of Tesco car park) in Pontarddulais, supporting small local businesses.
10 AM - 2 PM

🌸 Petallica Eco Community Market: Monthly market set within beautiful flower fields in Dunvant featuring eco-friendly local businesses selling fresh flowers, sustainable products, handcrafted gifts, local food and drink.
10 AM - 2 PM | FREE entry

🎵 Bach's Mass in B Minor: Swansea Bach Choir performs at St Mary’s Church featuring special guest soloists including Elin Manahan Thomas and baroque ensemble Réjouissance.
7 PM | £20 (standard), £15 (under 30s), Free (under 18s)

🎭 Theatre In Focus - Tom Stoppard: Join Peter Richards at Swansea Grand Theatre's Arts Wing Rooftop Bar for an illustrated talk about the life and works of playwright Tom Stoppard, featuring excerpts from his plays.
12.30 PM | £7

🍬 Dylan's Favourite Sweets Trail: A family-friendly Easter trail launches at the Dylan Thomas Centre today, where you can hunt for mini jars representing Dylan's favourite sweets hidden throughout the exhibition - complete the trail for a prize!
10 AM - 4:30 PM | Free

🎸 Ocean Colour Scene: The Britpop legends known for hits like "The Riverboat Song" perform live at Swansea Arena (only VIP tickets left at the time of writing) - followed by the Official Afterparty featuring Steve Cradock DJ Set at The Bunkhouse.
Doors 6.30 PM | From £165 (Arena), £17.25 (Afterparty)

💃 Free Argentine Tango in a Day Course: Learn the basics of Argentine Tango at Taliesin Arts Centre with four free workshops covering introduction, cross, giros, leg wraps and ganchos - includes coffee breaks, buffet lunch and practice time.
10 AM - 6 PM | Free (donations welcome)

🎮 Family Pokémon Club: Common Meeple launches this new weekly event for Pokémon enthusiasts to play, learn, chat and swap cards in a family-friendly environment. 10 AM - 12 PM | Free with purchase from menu or shop

🎤 Billy Fury Meets Elvis: The ultimate tribute show at Dylan Thomas Theatre celebrating two rock and roll legends who were both taken too soon at 42 years of age - featuring hits from "Halfway to Paradise" to "Suspicious Minds." 7:30 PM
| £18 (standard), £16 (concessions)

Sunday April 6th

🐶 Gowerton Dog Show: A fun dog show at The Commercial’s car park with categories including Handsome Hound, Luscious Lady, Perfect Pup, Golden Oldie and Best in Show, plus waggiest tail and themed costume competitions - proceeds to Llys Nini RSPCA.
Registration 10 AM - 11 AM, Show 11 AM - 2 PM | £1 per category

🛍️ Y Gwachel Monthly Market: Browse a large selection of food, crafts and local traders at the Pontardawe Inn's monthly market, held on the first Sunday of every month (excluding January). 11 AM - 3 PM | Free entry

🏉 Ospreys v Scarlets: Experience the West Wales Derby at the Swansea.com Stadium as the Ospreys take on the Scarlets in an EPCR Challenge Cup knockout match.
5.30 PM | £27 (Adults), £22 (Seniors), £19 (18-25s), £11 (Under 18s)

🎭 The Phantoms starring Lee Mead: Join West End star Lee Mead and former Phantoms from the West End production for a spellbinding night of music at Swansea Grand Theatre, celebrating beloved musicals including Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, and The Phantom of the Opera.
7 PM | £32 - £37

🦪 Remembering the Cockle Women: A bite-sized exhibition recently launched at Swansea Museum celebrating the history of the Penclawdd cockle industry, featuring never-before-seen photographs, prints, and paintings from long-established families, plus a short documentary film.
10 AM - 4:30 PM (Tuesday-Friday, closed Mondays except Bank Holidays) | Free

🛍️ Crafters & Co Pop-up Market: Monthly indoor market at The Lodge in Gorseinon featuring a range of stalls from small local businesses - pop down and show your support.
11 AM - 3 PM | Free entry

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Monday March 31st
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tuesday April 1st
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

Wednesday April 2nd
Cu Mumbles | Joe Webb Trio | 8 PM
The Uplands Tavern | Ellie Jones & Gary Phillips | 8.30 PM

Thursday April 3rd
Hippos | Open Mic | 4 PM
Waterloo Stores | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | Back Into Hell - A Tribute to Meat Loaf & Jim Steinman | 7 PM

Friday April 4th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
The Oyster House | Friday Night Live | 8 PM
Gower Inn | Live Music Night | 7 PM
Swansea Arena | Coffeeshop Sessions | 12 PM - 2 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | The Illegal Eagles | 7 PM
Crowley’s Rock Bar | Forsaken Duo | 8 PM

Saturday April 5th
HQ Urban Kitchen | Saturday Sessions | 1 PM
Hippos | Dr Meaker | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Marissa & The Moths, Lesbian Bed Death, JK&TU, Webb | 6 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay Tribute) | 7 PM
Swansea Arena | Ocean Colour Scene | 7 PM
Elysium | Suntou Susso and Mamudou Susso | 7 PM
Sin City | Kerrang’d! | 7 PM
The Swigg | Rum & Reggae | 4 PM
Queens Hotel | The Wildflowers | 8 PM

Sunday April 6th
Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sundays | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | Kill All the Gentleman | 6 PM

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

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Andrew

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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