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Food & Drink Festival, Free Pet Portraits, Coffee Roadshow, GRAFT Fest, Makeup Masterclass
Plus: Hiroshima Talk, National Play Day, This Ain't Texas, Miniature Worlds, and more!
Andrew M
August 03, 2025
TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that's like when your phone battery lasts all day 😊
The summer is really hitting its stride, so this week's jam-packed with everything from free pet portraits and coffee roadshows to makeup masterclasses and western-themed fun days.
And for those looking for something a bit different, there's a fascinating Hiroshima talk, miniature world workshops, and even a chance to escape from a deranged clown's lair (yes, really!).
Whatever you’re up to, have a good one and I'll catch you on Wednesday!
Andrew.
Sponsored by Breakout Live Swansea
The clowns are waiting… 🤡
Breakout Live Swansea has just opened a brand new escape room - and it’s their most twisted and hilarious yet!
Lured into The Laughing Lair by a deranged clown, you’ll face mind-bending puzzles, retro arcade mayhem, and unnerving surprises you’ll be talking about all the way home.
Can you escape The Laughing Lair before the final buzzer seals your fate? Grab your bravest crew for a nightmare under the big top where every second counts!
With more than 1,500 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, Breakout Live is Wales’ top-rated escape room venue, so whether your a first-timer or a veteran, you’re in great hands.
WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢
What’s big, grey, and once made a splash at Swansea Bay - literally? If you were walking along the front in 1991, you might have seen it.
This week, enjoy the curious tale of how elephants ended up paddling in the bay, plus a fascinating glimpse at the history of travelling circuses in Swansea.
THE DIGEST 📰
🎭 A sail-style canopy is being added to Swansea's city centre amphitheatre after the summer, offering shelter for performers.
🏖️ Swansea Council is seeking developers to transform a 0.9-acre seafront site at Langland Bay (currently three tennis courts) into high-quality leisure and public facilities, like a hotel, cafe, or restaurant.
🌊 A 35-mile blue-green water corridor linking the River Tawe, Swansea Canal, and more could transform tourism, travel, and climate resilience across the region.
🚍 A new hydrogen refuelling hub is planned on Fabian Way, with eco-friendly buses replacing diesel fleets as part of Wales-wide bus franchising reforms.
🚧 National Grid’s roadworks to upgrade underground cables will cause months of disruption on Townhill Road, with parking and traffic restrictions in place from August 4th.
🏡 Thanks to public donations, upgraded homes at Singleton Hospital now offer comfort and proximity for families of poorly babies.
🍎 To support healthier school meals, councillors will sample lunch menus as new rules propose reducing fried and sugary foods in primaries.
SWANSEA PROPERTY 🏡
Built in 2022, this 3-bedroom semi-detached townhouse on Waun Fawr in Cwmrhydyceirw is just minutes from Morriston Hospital, the DVLA, and offers swift access to the M4 - ideal for families, professionals, or commuters.
Move-in ready and beautifully maintained
3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including an ensuite
Spacious lounge and modern kitchen/diner
Private enclosed rear garden
Off-road parking to the rear
Convenient access to local schools, shops, and parks - plus M4 (5 mins), Morriston Hospital (10 mins), DVLA (10 mins), City Centre (20 mins)
Offers over £260,000
Want to find out more or book a viewing?
Leave your contact details and we’ll be in touch 👇
SWANSEA FOOD & DRINK 🍴
🍳 Fully Loaded has opened in Gorseinon, serving stacked hash browns, sandwiches, and fresh cinnamon buns from the team behind Food Anarchy.
🍔 The first Swansea Food & Drink Festival comes to the city centre next Saturday and Sunday, taking over Oxford Street, Portland Street, and Princess Way.
🧠 A western-themed quiz night is happening at The Saloon at Cattle & Co. on Friday 8th August, with live music, a £100 bar tab prize, and all proceeds going to Mind Mental Health Charity.
🥯 Best bagel in Swansea? Basekamp’s New York bagels must be up there - served until 3 PM Mon-Fri and 4 PM on weekends.
@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱
Over 65,000 people played our simple game of “where are we in Swansea?” this week. We thought it might be too easy… what do you think?
Check out the video below, and why not give Swansea Scoop a follow while you’re there? We’re now at over 15,000 followers on Instagram and over 17,000 on Facebook!
Sponsored by FreshFitzUK
Streetwear and designer without the markup
FreshFitzUK is a Swansea-based, family-run business stocking everything from sought-after streetwear to luxury designer pieces, all below RRP.
Their private showroom is open daily from 9AM to 7 PM - no appointment needed, just send a DM for the location - offering a low-key way to browse brands like Nike, Montirex, Burberry, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and more.
They also stock affordable everyday staples and gym wear at outlet-level prices. And if there’s something specific you’re after, their personal shopping service can help you find it.
They even go beyond fashion. Ben and the team can source luxury travel, private flights, and full concierge packages tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
A store in the city centre is planned for the end of the year, but until then, DM to drop in and see what FreshFitzUK can do for you.
WHAT’S ON
Here comes a big round-up of everything else cool happening in Swansea this week. Ready? Let’s go!
Monday August 4th
🧓 COAST 50+ Activities: A wide range of free events for Swansea residents aged 50+ includes craft sessions, walking sports, boat trips, and more – hosted across parks, leisure centres and community spaces.
Mon 4th – Sun 10th August | Various times | Free
🎲 Dylan’s at Cwmdonkin: Free board game sessions for anyone aged 50+ at Cwmdonkin Park (near the cafe), with a cuppa, a chat, and light-hearted fun - every Monday and Wednesday in August.
1 PM - 3 PM | Free
🏳️🌈 Queertawe – August: Intergenerational creative workshops for Swansea’s LGBTQIA+ community at HQ Urban Kitchen. Explore movement, creative writing, visual arts, and cabaret in a supportive space.
5.30 PM – 8.30 PM
📖 Pontardawe Bible Week: Explore two fascinating exhibitions about the Bible - its preservation, historical evidence, Welsh language roots, and modern-day meaning. Includes kid-friendly activities, quizzes, and interactive displays.
Mon 4 – Sat 9 Aug | Various Time
Summer Holiday Fun
🎨 COAST Kids Week of Free Fun: From martial arts and cricket to animal encounters, beach sessions, dance, crafts and inflatables - enjoy a packed week of free activities across Swansea.
Mon 4th – Sat 9th August | Various Times/Locations | Free
🕵️♀️ Hide and Seek Trail: Explore the National Waterfront Museum’s galleries to track down six quirky hidden objects, uncover their stories, and stamp your trail sheet as you go.
21 July – 31 August | 10 AM – 4 PM | Free
🦊 The Grimwood Museum Adventure: Spot Grimwood characters, vote for a new mayor, design campaign posters, and enter a prize draw in this fun museum trail at the Dylan Thomas Centre, running all month.
Until 25 August | 10 AM – 4 PM | Free
🎨 St Peter's Summer Camp: A Disney-inspired week of fun with games, crafts, songs, stories, and even “Challenge the Vicar” with Cockett Parish.
Free | 10 AM - 11.55 AM | Ages 5 - 11
🗺️ Swansea Marina Summer Trail: Hunt for quirky statues and sculptures around Swansea Marina, with a sweet treat and a prize draw at the end. Pick up your trail at Dawsons, Trawler Rd and finish at Morgans Hotel.
Free | Runs all summer holiday
🎬 Cinema & Co. Summer Screenings + Pizza: Daily themed movie afternoons featuring Minecraft, If, and Lilo & Stitch, each served with pizza.
Mon 4 – Fri 8 Aug | Various times and pricing
🌞 Free Family Fun Mondays: Weekly summer sessions at Collaboration Station with free family fun for children up to 10 years old.
Every Monday until 18 August | 9.30 AM – 11.30 AM | Free
Tuesday August 5th
Summer Holiday Fun
💪 Girls To The Front: Tuesday Movement Sessions: Free fitness and confidence-building sessions for girls aged 10–16 at West Street Community Space, Gorseinon.
Every Tuesday Until 13 Aug | 4.15 PM – 5 PM | Free
🖼️ Family Gallery Tour: A family-friendly guided tour blending sketching for kids with insight into the gallery’s founder and collections, led by the Glynn Vivian learning team.
2 PM – 2.45 PM | Free (Suggested £3 donation)
🙏 St John's Summer Events: A full week of free community events at St John’s Church in Gowerton, including kids’ clubs, BBQs, international evening, afternoon tea and a family celebration service — all in partnership with local churches.
Tue – Sun | Various Times | Free
🚲 BikeAbility Free Summer Activities: Enjoy inclusive cycling fun all summer long with free weekly sessions for little cyclists and families, including balance bikes, scooters, tandems, and more.
Every Tuesday 12 – 1 PM (Tots on Tyres) | Every Thursday 11 AM – 1 PM (Kids & Families Play) | Free
Wednesday August 6th
🕊️ Hiroshima: Never Again: Mark 80 years since the bombing of Hiroshima at the National Waterfront Museum, with powerful talks from Kyoko Gibson, a second-generation Hibakusha, Sioned Williams AS, and voices from Swansea Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
3.30 PM – 5 PM | Free
Summer Holiday Fun
🧸 National Play Day at the Waterfront: Celebrate nature with circus skills, crafts, face painting, live music, and more at the National Waterfront Museum’s free Play Day festival.
Quiet Hour: 10 – 11 AM | Main Event: 11 AM – 2 PM | Free
📚 National Play Day at the Dylan Thomas Centre: Enjoy a calm and creative celebration of play with Dylan Thomas–themed crafts, sensory stations, and an interactive family exhibition in a relaxed, autism-aware environment.
10 AM – 4 PM | Free
🎉 Family Fun Day: Join Mumbles Community Council at Clyne Gardens for football, circus skills, an inflatable assault course, drumming, and a free lunch!
10 AM – 12 PM
🐒 Monkey Colour Mystery: Discover why baby monkeys are often a different colour from their parents in this playful science session with Swansea University researchers at Oriel Science.
11 AM & 2 PM | Free
📖 Create Your Own Secrets Book: A hands-on summer workshop at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais using natural materials and handmade paints to craft a magical book of secrets! For ages 7–11.
10 AM – 12:30 PM | £3
🎨 Family Workshop: I Can Print... Patterns: Get creative with fabric printing at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery's summer workshop. Design your own repeat pattern artwork, with a quieter space available for those with sensory needs.
11 AM–1 PM & 2 PM–4 PM | £3 per child – Booking essential
Thursday August 7th
☕ La Marzocco Swansea Roadshow: An evening of coffee, community and creativity at Volcano Theatre! Includes espresso machine demos, Bustle Dice Tournament, water tasting with Brita, a barista careers panel, pizza, beer, and a latte art throwdown hosted by Oatly.
6 PM - 10 PM | Free, booking required
🖼️ Gallery Tour: Tigers & Dragons: Discover the cultural threads linking India and Wales in this insightful guided tour of Tigers & Dragons with Dr Richard Monahan at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
12.30 PM–1.30 PM | £5
🎭 Rogues' Gallery Comedy Club: Enjoy a night of professional stand-up at Elysium Gallery with award-winning storyteller Nick Page and sharp newcomer Joe Capper.
7 – 11 PM | £8
Summer Holiday Fun
🐒 Monkey Colour Mystery: Discover why baby monkeys are often a different colour from their parents in this playful science session with Swansea University researchers at Oriel Science. 11 AM & 2 PM | Free
🌈 Kids Club – Bible Journeys: A free holiday club at Swansea Minster every Thursday in August with games, crafts, stories, and free lunches for kids aged 5–11.
11 AM – 1 PM | Free
🦖 Unnatural History: Amphibious: Join Swansea Museum’s summer artist-led workshop to create fantastical-inspired creatures using your imagination.
10 AM – 1 PM | Free
📦 Summer Cardboard Big Build: Robots: Build epic dinosaur creations from cardboard using Makedo tools in this hands-on workshop at the National Waterfront Museum. Ages 7+, bring 3–4 boxes!
12 PM & 2 PM | £3 per child
👮♂️ Community Fun Day: Join South Wales Police for a fun-filled day at The Collaboration Station, with emergency vehicles, friendly officers, games, and family-friendly activities for everyone.
11 AM – 2 PM | Free
Friday August 8th
🧡 Open Evening at Summit Good: Discover handmade paper inspired by nature at this relaxing creative exhibition hosted by Wild Plant Paper. Includes free vegan food, drinks, and a goody bag!
6.30 PM | Free
Summer Holiday Fun
🎨 Felting Workshop: Kids aged 7+ can get creative with colourful wool and learn to make funky felt creations in this hands-on felting session at Mission Gallery.
11 – 12.30 PM | £7
🤠 This Ain’t Texas Day: Saddle up for a wild western day at Llys Nini RSPCA! Ride the rodeo bull, bounce around, enjoy music and line dancing with instructor Andrew Hughes.
12 PM – 2:30 PM | £10 per child, £1 per adult | Ages 5+
🎥 Summer Film Club: Monsters Inc: Enjoy craft activities, board games, and a midday screening of Monsters Inc. at Volcano Theatre.
12 PM (doors 10.30 AM) | Suggested donation £1
🎪 Family Fun Day at Jersey Park: Free food, live entertainment, and exciting games and activities for all children at this fun-packed afternoon for families at Jersey Park Pavilion.
11.30 AM – 2.30 PM | Free
🎨 Holiday Memory: Miniature Worlds: Drop into this hands-on family workshop at the Dylan Thomas Centre and create your own diorama or collage inspired by Dylan’s ‘Holiday Memory’.
1 PM – 4 PM | Free
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Saturday August 9th
🍴 Swansea Food & Drink Festival: Oxford Street, Princess Way and Portland Street will come alive with street food, artisan produce, and small business stalls in a vibrant weekend celebration of local flavours.
Sat 9 & Sun 10 August | Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–5 PM
💄 Makeup Masterclass: join FYG Beauty at Cinema & Co. to learn pro beauty tips, flawless skincare routines, and level up your glam with goodies and drinks.
2 PM - 4 PM | £30
👛 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
🚶 Hafod Copperworks Guided Walk: Find out about Swansea’s once thriving copper industry with a free guided walk hosted by The Friends of Hafod Morfa Copperworks.
11 AM | Free
Summer Holiday Fun
🎨 Free Portrait Drawing Workshop: Learn facial proportions, shading, and expression in this relaxed, beginner-friendly session for families, led by artist Dale Sinoia at Elysium Gallery.
11 AM – 1 PM | Free
Pontarddulais Summer Family Fair: A full day of fun with face painting, live music, market stalls, mascots, ice cream, games, and more - at Pontarddulais Rugby Field.
10 AM – 7 PM
🎉 Birchgrove Goes Bonkers 2: A family fun day at Birchgrove RFC packed with inflatables, Nerf assault course, live music, animal encounters, food, fire trucks, glitter tattoos, and more.
1–2 PM Quiet Hour, Main Event 2 PM - Late | Adults £5, Kids £2 | Wristband: £5 for unlimited inflatables & activities
Sunday August 10th
🌿 GRAFT FEST: A chilled-out celebration of wellbeing, art, music, and the environment at the Graft Garden at the National Waterfront Museum. Expect yoga, creative workshops, live music, tasty food, and eco-friendly market stalls.
12 PM – 4 PM | Free
🐾 Jack’s Vets Birthday Bash: Celebrate Jack’s 2-year anniversary in Dunvant Park with agility demos, free pet portraits, cake, refreshments, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
Free | All ages and pets welcome!
👚 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
Summer Holiday Fun
🎬 Summer Holiday Family Film Club: Drop into Glynn Vivian Art Gallery every Sunday during the school holidays for a selection of animated films from around the world.
11 AM – 4 PM | Free
Family Fun Day: Games, face painting, lucky dip, kickboxing demos, refreshments, and raffle at Montana Community Centre - fundraising for Kickboxing World Championships 2026.
11 AM–3 PM | Free Entry
LIVE MUSIC 🎸
Monday August 4th
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Noah’s Yard | Jazz Club | 8.30 PM
Tuesday August 5th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM
Wednesday August 6th
Cu Mumbles | Jay Azzolina with Dave Cottle Trio | 8 PM
Thursday August 7th
Gin & Juice | Live Lounge Thursdays | 7.30 PM
Friday August 8th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Elysium | Jerry Williams Band + Recluse + Psychotic Fuzz + Swan Hill | 8 PM
The Strand Bar | Sold for Parts | 7 PM
Saturday August 9th
Elysium | Broken Fires | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | BLISS | 7 PM
Sunday August 10th
Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sundays | 8 PM
The Swigg | Sunday Sessions | 5 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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