Swansea Scoop
Posts
Free Music Festival in Swansea All Weekend! 🎸

Free Music Festival in Swansea All Weekend! 🎸

Plus: 33 summer holiday kids ideas, jazz in Dylan's parlour, Bingo Lingo

James M
August 11, 2024

Hello, Swansea! After a few days away this week, can we all agree there is no sweeter sight than the off-ramp of the M4 Junction 42? 😭

In this week’s Swansea Scoop:

New free 3-day music festival 🎹
33 kids’ summer holiday ideas 🌞
Flower farm behind-the-scenes tour 🌹
… and tons more!

Let’s get to it.

— James

P.S. Enjoy the Scoop? Please tell a friend to help us grow!

THE DIGEST

Castle Cinema to Be Converted into Restaurant and Flats

The historic Castle Cinema in Swansea is set to be converted into 30 flats, a restaurant, and office space - subject to planning approval. The listed building will see its classic Beaux Arts facade restored, and a glass-fronted restaurant extension added to the side facing Swansea Castle. Fear not, Lazerzone fans - the attraction is hoping to secure new premises in the city centre.

Staff and Patients Host the Swansea Olympics

Allez, allez, allez! Patients at Cefn Coed Hospital took part in their own version of the Olympic Games this week, organized across three wards. The event, part of Swansea Bay University Health Board’s "Active August" initiative, included activities like cycling, basketball, bowling, and even relay event inside the hospital building.

@SWANSEA.SCOOP

📷 @samanthakatelouise.me

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

LOCAL BUSINESS

City Centre Burrito Bar Birthday Celebration 🌯

Piñatas Burrito Bar on the Strand in Swansea city centre celebrated its fourth birthday this week (not bad for a business that was brave enough to launch during the pandemic in 2020!). To mark the occasion, it is offering 30% off all in-house orders, including tacos, nachos, and wings until the end of August.

Gower Pub Doubles Dining Area 😋

Looking for somewhere new to host a larger gathering? Following a recent refurbishment, the Valley Hotel in Bishopston has nearly doubled the capacity of its dining area. The Forge is an undercover area separate from the main pub, and the perfect, cosy spot for larger groups to enjoy the pub's food and drink options, including pub classics, curry, and Sunday roast.

WHAT’S ON

Free 3-Day Music Festival at the Amphitheatre 🎤

Swansea’s newest festival, Amplitude, launches this week, centred around the Swansea Amphitheatre (opposite the entrance of the LC2), with three days packed with free movie screenings and live music. To kick things off on Friday August 16th, The School of Rock (3 PM) and Bohemian Rhapsody (7 PM) will play on a big screen. Then, Saturday and Sunday both feature a full schedule of music from 1 PM - 9 PM, including performances from Orange Circus Band, Grouch Club, The Ripping Cones and Dave Cottle.

Tour an Independent Flower Farm (and Pick Your Own) 🌼

Blue Hill Flora is an independent flower farm perched on a hill just outside Pontardawe. On Sunday August 18th, owner Rhiannon is hosting her annual open day where you'll have the opportunity to tour the farm and learn how and why she grows her flowers - with plenty of tips to get the most out of yours at home. After the tour, you'll be treated to tea and cake and a chance to pick your own summer blooms.

Inspiral Carpets at the Patti Pavillion 🎸

“Madchester” legends Inspiral Carpets head to Swansea on Thursday August 15th for a headline show to celebrate their nearly 35 years in music, with hit singles such as “This Is How It Feels”, “Saturn 5” and “She Comes in the Fall” all promised on the night. Swansea’s own Subterrenia will support the band - doors open at 7.30 PM.

Annual Classic Motorcycle Show 🏍️

Two wheels good, four wheels bad. The Swansea Bus Museum & Transport Heritage Centre will be hosting the annual Swansea Motorcyle Show on Sunday August 18th. Packed with motorcycles old and new, there’ll be displays, stalls, food, and more. The event runs from 10.30 AM - 3.30 PM and promises something for families and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

Bingo Lingo Returns to the Patti Pavillion 🎉

Eyes down for bingo at the Patti, but not like your nanna used to. Expect huge party anthems, on-stage battles, and tacky prizes as Bingo Lingo returns to Swansea on Saturday August 17th from 6.30 PM - 11 PM.

Jazz Concert in Dylan Thomas’ House 🎻

Can’t bear another Saturday night in your living room? Spend it in Dylan Thomas' one instead. Well, his front parlour (like a front room, but a bit more posh). Gypsy Swing Jazz combo will be joined by pianist Mike Hatchard for an evening of latin rhythms and vocals in several languages (including Welsh) at Dylan Thomas' birthplace on August 17th from 6.30 PM, with nibbles and local Llareggub Beer from Tomos and Lilford. If in-person tickets sell out, a live stream is also be available.

Petallica Flower Farm Community Market 🌺

Petallica Flower Farm in Dunvant will be hosting its penultimate Eco Community Market of the year on Saturday August 17th. There’ll be a host of stalls from local businesses, seasonal flowers from the farm, plus delicious food and drink - all in the surroundings of their beautiful flower farm. The market runs from 10 AM - 2 PM.

Italian Workshop With Food and Drink 🇮🇹

Regretably, my deep love for Italy doesn’t stretch far past the Pizza Boyz on Walter Road (so good!), but if Italian culture is your passion, you won’t want to miss an evening of La Dolce Vita. Happening at The Ostreme Centre of Mumbles on Saturday August 17th, experience a full Italian workshop including language and culture, followed by a picnic of delicious Italian food and drink. The event runs from 6.15 PM - 8.15 PM.

Family Planning at the Dylan Thomas Theatre 👶🏻

Get yourselves down to The Dylan Thomas Theatre for Family Planning, which explores the emotional dynamics of a Welsh family as they navigate the unexpected news of young Tracy's pregnancy. With a solid mother, a hypochondriac father, and an uncertain boyfriend, Tracy struggles to find the right moment to share her secret. Written by the beloved Welsh playwright Frank Vickery, the play promises a mix of heartfelt moments and laughter, showcasing the warmth and quirks of a close-knit family. Family Planning play runs from August 14th to August 17th, starting at 7.30 PM.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN 🌞

Grownups, 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 August 12th 🛹

Head to Bishopston Primary School for a free skate, bike, or scoot session hosted by the Bishopston Skatepark Project from 1 PM to 4 PM. All ages welcome!
Try target football, tennis, pickleball and bowls at De la Beche Park in Sketty from 11 AM. BBQ food and refreshments will also be available.

Tuesday August 13th 🪩

Mumbles Community Council’s free Family Fun Days continue, with outdoor family fun at Highmead Park from 10 AM - 12 PM. A sausage and chips lunch is included!
Join The Chinese in Wales Association for a morning of Chinese ink painting at the IT Hub on the first floor of The Grand Theatre from 10.30 AM - 11.30 AM. Free | Ages 8-14.
It's Tots Disco at Mumbles Pier every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays, with new special visitors every week. This week, Duggee from Hey Duggee will be dropping by for two sessions - at 10.30 AM and 11.30 AM. £5 per child | Booking required.
Join the National Trust for a Summer of Play event at Rhosilli, every Tuesday to Thursday until August 29th from 9 AM - 12 PM - including football, volleyball, hula hooping, and welly-wanging! Free. Car parking charges apply.
The Glyn Vivian Art Gallery’s Family Film Club runs from 10.30 AM - 1 PM every Tuesday in the summer holidays - totally free, but donations welcome.
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 August 14th 🐼

The Taliesin Summer Kids Club has family-friendly films on throughout the summer. Kung Fu Panda 4 is showing at 3 PM. Tickets are £2.50 each, or book 5+ films at once and all tickets are just £1 each.

Or, Kung Fu Panda 4 is also being shown upstairs at the National Waterfront Museum at 11 AM - free.
That’s the way to do it! There will be three free Punch & Judy Shows at the newly-refurbished Penclawdd Playground at 1 PM, 3 PM and 5 PM.
Head down to Founders & Co. on Wind Street for free arts & crafts sessions every Monday and Wednesday until August 28th, between midday and 3 PM. Each week features a different theme. Free. No booking required.
Pop down to the National Waterfront Museum for free family drumming sessions with Rhythm of Play and One Heart Drummers. There are two sessions - 10.30 PM - 12 PM and 1 PM - 2.30 PM.
Make potions in the mud kitchen and create nature crafts at the Brynmill Park Hide from 10 AM - 12 PM. Booking required. £5.
Collaborate on a monster-infested, large-scale cardboard world-building project, taking inspiration from Japanese Sci-Fi at the Glyn Vivian Art Gallery, at 1.30 PM. Tickets £3. Ages 3+.
SOFIT will hosting a free kids fitness class in Coed Gwilym Park at 9.30 AM - 11 AM. Ages 5-11.

Thursday August 15th 🐰

The Taliesin Summer Kids Club has family-friendly films on throughout the summer. Frozen is showing at 3 PM. Tickets are £2.50 each, or book 5+ films at once and all tickets are just £1 each.
Join in at Dyfatty Community Centre’s Fun Day from 10 AM - 2 PM. There’ll be a bouncy castle, water and sand play, Will’s Petting Farm, free food, face paints, and more!
Head to the National Waterfront Museum from 12.30 PM - 3.30 PM for an afternoon of incredible K’NEX construction. The Great K’NEX Challenge starts with Week 1: A speedboat, a majestic pirate ship, or anything in between – let your imagination set sail as you build your own boat! Free. Ages 6+.
Studt's Family Summer Funfair arrives in Swansea from Tuesday August 15th to Sunday 3rd September, open daily 1 PM - 8 PM at the recreation ground in St Helen's.
Swansea Museum is hosting its summer holiday workshop, with the chance to reimagine and recreate Swansea Bay from Mumbles to the Museum in a 3D model using a mixture of themes and materials. This week's session is Nature & us: trees, people, dogs, flowers, grass, shrubbery, etc. - from 10 AM - 1 PM. Free. No booking required.

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.
The Gower Heritage Centre hosts its Little Red Hen Goes to Fairyland event - hear the story in its children’s theatre, visit fairyland, make fairytale crafts, and take part in a duck race! Ages 3-8 | Booking required.
Join the Sharing Table Cymru for a free Family Cooking Class using fresh, healthy ingredients at St Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon from 10 AM - 11AM and 11 AM - 12 PM.
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 16th 🧸

At the Dylan Thomas Centre, a workshop from 10 AM - 12 PM for families who need a quieter experience that is designed to be autism and neurodivergent friendly. Make puppets and theatres based on traditional seaside themes. Free | Booking required.
Join Helen and Thomas Docherty for an exciting story and draw along event at Oystermouth Library at 11 AM, plus a chance to listen to the yet-to-be-released book, Superwolf.
Head down to Brynmelin Community Centre from 12 PM - 2 PM for a fun afternoon of facepainting, crafts, games, and to explore the Community Garden - plus get a free BBQ lunch and refreshments.
Llys Nini in Penllargaer hosts its summer Teddy Bear’s Picnic from 12 PM - 3 PM - a day full of dancing, party games, and prizes. Booking required. £7.00 per child, £1.00 per adult.
Join Lucy Haines for a Mindfulness in the Woods session especially for children from 11.30 AM - 12.30 PM, at Penllergare Valley Woods. Kids will learn to use mindful skills in a fun and interactive way. Ages 5-11 | £7 per child | Booking required.

Saturday August 17th ⛵

SOFIT will hosting a free kids fitness class at Swansea Beach (meet at the recreation ground car park) from 10 AM - 10.45 AM. Ages 5-11.
Vardre RFC hosts its free Community Fun Day from 12 PM -5 PM with inflatables, Soak the Coach, DJ, food and drink.
Swansea Yacht and Sub-Aqua Club in the Marina is hosting its Water Carnival from 10 AM - 4 PM, with live band, boat rides, rowing races, food and drink, and lots more.

Sunday August 18th 👾

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

Feedback Sought on New City Centre Development

Swansea Council wants your feedback on a proposal for a major new public sector hub in Swansea city centre, being earmarked for land at the former St David's Shopping Centre. The site would include commercial floor space for shops and restaurants, with the council and a range of other public sector partners occupying office space above. A drop-in information and consultation event about the proposed new public sector hub is taking place from Tuesday August 13 to Thursday August 15th from 1 PM - 7PM at the former Cranes music shop unit on St David's Place in the city centre.

WEATHER

Monday
23🌡️ 13 | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 E 7 mph

Tuesday
19 🌡️ 14 | 🌧️ | 40% | 💨 NE 10 mph

Wednesday
19 🌡️ 13 | 🌧️ | 10% | 💨 E 10 mph

Thursday
19 🌡️ 14 | 🌦️ | 50% | 💨 E 10 mph

Friday
18 🌡️ 11 | 🌦️ | 5% | 💨 E 15 mph

Saturday
18 🌡️ 13 | ⛅ | 10% | 💨E 14 mph

Sunday
19 🌡️ 13 | 🌧️ | 60% | 💨 E 15 mph

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

August 13th
Elysium | Stephen Paris Agreement | 7 PM

August 14th
Cu Mumbles | Cottle Brothers | 8 PM

August 15th
Elysium | All That Jazz | 7 PM
Gin & Juice | Live Lounge Thursdays | 7.30 PM

August 18th
Waterloo Stores | Calon | 8 PM

SPORTS NEWS ⚽

Azeem Abdulai's first league start for Swansea City ended in disappointment after he conceded a penalty, leading to their 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough in their Championship opener. The 21-year-old winger fouled Isaiah Jones, allowing Emmanuel Latte Lath to score the only goal of the game.

THANKS

Thanks for reading the Swansea Scoop. If you found something useful, share it with a friend who still doesn’t know how to mute on Zoom.

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.