Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that’s like nailing a spontaneous high five with a friend 😊

Spring’s arrived in Swansea this week, because the number of times that photo showing up in my feed - you know the one - daffodils/pine trees at the bottom of West Cross - is reaching its peak. 😄 Is it even possible to pass by there and not take a snap?

There’s loads of fun stuff happening this week, from Milton Jones and UV Climbing to an over 30s daytime rave (for those of us who could stay up to queue for a taxi at 3 AM, but prefer to be home in bed by 10).

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

Andrew.

Wednesday’s Scoop (In Case You Missed It) 🦢

This week, read about the time a local businessman proposed a revolutionary solution to Swansea’s traffic woes - a hovercraft taxi across Swansea Bay.

Read A Hovercraft Taxi Across Swansea Bay? here.

THE DIGEST 📰

🚠 Swansea's planning officers have recommended approval for the £35 million Skyline development on Kilvey Hill that would feature gondolas, ziplines and luge runs.

🏗️ Swansea Council has approved plans to redevelop and extend the Ostreme Centre in Mumbles into a modern community venue with multiple rooms and amenities.

🥗 Swansea's first-ever Vegan Festival will take place at the LC Swansea on May 31st, featuring 60 stalls offering vegan food, beauty products, fashion, and more.

🏡 Construction will begin on 43 new affordable Pobl homes in Swansea's SA1 Waterfront district this month, featuring a mix of townhouses and apartments for affordable rent.

🚲 Swansea Council has reallocated £1.4 million of Welsh Government funding originally intended for a Walter Road/Sketty Road cycle route to focus on other active travel projects, including widening the Clyne Valley walking and cycling path.

SWANSEA DINING

Pancake Day is on Tuesday, March 4th. Discover some of Swansea's best pancake spots this year:

🥞 Haystack Cafe in Brynhyfryd has stacked pancakes with toppings including bacon and maple syrup, peaches and cream, and Kinder sauce and Nutella.

🥞 The Grand Hotel is serving up pancake varieties including Pistachio & White Chocolate, Nutella & Strawberries, Biscoff, and classic Lemon & Sugar.

🥞 BrewStone promises unique creations you won't find anywhere else on March 4th, including their mouthwatering banana pancakes and eggs benedict pancakes.

🥞 Get hands-on at Swansea Community Fridge's Pancake Extravaganza on March 5th at The Hub, where you can cook and flip your own pancakes from 2-4 PM.

🥞 Missy's Bakehouse is offering "Build your own pancakes" on Tuesday, March 4th from 12pm - 8pm with a choice of 2 toppings and 2 sauces.

@SWANSEA.SCOOP

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WHAT’S ON

A spotlight on everything fun Swansea has to offer this week, coming right up. Let’s go:

Monday March 3rd

👨‍🍳 James Martin Live: Celebrity chef James Martin brings his new live tour to Swansea Arena, blending mouth-watering cooking demos with Yorkshire charm, comedy, and a touch of rock and roll.
7:30 PM | From £33.79

🎵 Music & Film Quiz Night: Swansea’s best pop culture quiz returns to Taliesin Arts Centre, testing your knowledge of cinema and music from the last four decades, with great prizes up for grabs.
6:30 PM | Free (ticketed, booking recommended)

Tuesday March 4th

First Tuesday Club: A free monthly drop-in event at HQ Urban Kitchen for entrepreneurs, businesses, and social enterprises looking to create positive change in Swansea. Connect, share ideas, and collaborate over expert advice sessions and a networking lunch.
10 AM - 12 PM (advice drop-in), 12 PM - 1 PM (Purposeful Lunch) | Free (optional lunch £8.50)

Wednesday March 5th

🎭 CAOS - Legally Blonde The Musical: Cockett Amateur Operatic Society brings the smash-hit musical to Taliesin Arts Centre, following Elle Woods as she defies expectations on her journey from sorority queen to Harvard Law.
Wed-Fri 7:15 PM, Sat 12:30 PM & 5:30 PM | £18

Thursday March 6th

🎥 Free Women's Filmmaking Course: Start a free 8-week course in Swansea’s city centre, offering hands-on training in filmmaking while exploring women’s heritage through documentary work. No experience needed—equipment and support provided.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Free (registration required)

🖼 Glynn Vivian at Night: Explore Glynn Vivian Gallery after hours, with a special talk from artist Hetain Patel at 6 PM discussing his nationwide project Come As You Really Are. From 7 PM, enjoy a live performance by the Croeso Choir.
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Free (no booking required)

😂 Rogues' Gallery Comedy Club: A night of top-tier stand-up at Elysium Gallery & Bar, headlined by Leroy Brito, one of Wales’ finest comedians, alongside rising star Stuart Thomas. Hosted by resident MC Chris Barnes. Get in early - doors lock at 7:20 PM!
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM | £8

Friday March 7th

🧗 UV Climbing Night: The Climbing Hangar transforms into a neon-lit playground for a night of UV climbing, Comic-Con cosplay, food specials, and games. Just make sure you’ve climbed before, as no inductions will be running.
4:30 PM - 10:00 PM | £5 for members, £5 + entry for PAYG visitors

🩺 Dr Rangan Chatterjee: The Thrive Tour: Bestselling author and podcast host Dr Rangan Chatterjee brings his live show to Swansea Arena, sharing insights on happiness, health, and lasting change.
7:30 PM | From £37

🎭 Swansea Boy: Opening this weekend at Volcano Theatre, Sean Mathias’ Swansea Boy is a coming-of-age drama set in 1980s Swansea, following love, loss, and the impact of the AIDS crisis. Runs throughout March, with matinee and evening performances available.
Opens 7 PM | Tickets from £5

💎 Dazzling Diamonds: A night of glitz, glamour, and belly laughs at Pontardawe Arts Centre, as The Dazzling Diamonds bring their high-energy drag variety show to the stage.
7:30 PM | £24.20

🎬 Chariot + Pizza + Q&A with Rob Surman: Catch an exclusive screening of Chariot at Cinema & Co, a darkly comic, Swansea-shot feature about greed, corruption, and austerity, followed by a Q&A with director Rob Surman.
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | From £8

📜 Karl-James Langford – Re-examining the Past: Archaeology, acting, music, and comedy come together at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais for a deep dive into Britain's forgotten history. A family-friendly journey through Wales’ ancient past.
7 PM | £10 (Buy one adult ticket, get one child ticket free)

😂 Live Comedy: A night of fast-paced stand-up at Ye Olde Cross Keys, featuring comedy circuit veteran John Newton, BBC Radio 4’s Eleri Morgan, and rising star Tim Biglowe.
8:00 PM | From £6

Saturday March 8th

🎶 Day Party: A clubbing experience with house anthems at Patti Pavilion, headlined by DJ Seb Fontaine, with support from Tom Malam & Smudged Soul. Designed for the over 30s, this daytime party means you’ll be home by 9 PM!
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM | £21

😂 Milton Jones: Ha!Milton: The master of absurd one-liners returns to Swansea Grand Theatre with a brand-new show of daftness. Expect surreal jokes, rapid-fire punchlines, and possibly some deep insights about giraffes and tomatoes.
7:00 PM | £35.50

🌌 The Night Sky Show: Astronomer and author Adrian West (VirtualAstro) brings his spectacular tour to Swansea Arena, guiding audiences through the constellations, stars, and planets in an immersive, thought-provoking journey.
8 PM | From £27.50

🍸 The Gin and Rum Festival: Discover your new favourite tipple at Brangwyn Hall, with a huge selection of gins and rums to sample. Your ticket includes a free drink, snack, and branded collectables, with Schweppes providing complimentary mixers.
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM or 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM | £18

📸 International Women's Day Photo Walk: Join Photo Club Swansea for a relaxed women's photo walk, starting at Castle Gardens and finishing at the National Waterfront Museum for Gwaith Merched, a photography exhibition exploring women's work in Wales.
11:00 AM | Free

🖊 Write on Art Workshops: Ever wanted to be an art critic for a day? Poet Galia Admoni leads three free workshops at Glynn Vivian, guiding young writers (14-17) through the gallery to explore and express their thoughts on art.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Free (booking essential)

💜 Voices of Activism: Celebrating International Women’s Day: An evening at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais dedicated to women’s voices in activism, featuring a performance by GraceNotes Women’s Choir, harpist Naomi Harvey, and an exhibition showcasing women's perspectives on activism.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Free

👛 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

🥗 Vegan Mini Market: Join Brontosaurus Vegan Lifestyle Store and a host of other traders for the Swansea Vegan Mini Market at the centre of Swansea Market.
10 AM - 3 PM

👛 Funky Craft Fayre: Shop for handmade gifts from local artists, makers and designers at the Ostreme Centre in Mumbles.
10 AM - 4 PM

Sunday March 9th

👚 Marina Market: Head down to Dylan Thomas Square from where local traders bring you the best in local produce, food and drink, clothes, jewellery, art, and more.
10 AM - 3 PM

SWANSEA STORIES: MISSION GALLERY

Since discovering Mission Gallery last year, it’s become one of my favourite hidden gems in Swansea. If you’ve never been, it’s well worth a visit. This week, Gallery Director Rhian Wyn Stone tells us all about it.

Tell us a little about yourself and Mission Gallery

Hello, I’m Rhian Wyn Stone, Gallery Director for Mission Gallery. Mission Gallery is housed in a Grade II listed building in Swansea Marina, a unique and architecturally beautiful space near The National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Arena, and Swansea Museum.

The gallery delivers an innovative programme that is inclusive and distinctively of Wales; we’re practitioner-focused and artistically ambitious, celebrating craft and visual art through exhibitions and outreach programmes. Our outreach offers high-quality, artist-led workshops tailored to families, children, individuals with autism or learning difficulties, adults, and community groups.

We’re a revenue-funded client of the Arts Council of Wales, and all our exhibitions are free.

What can people expect when they visit Mission Gallery?

Our current opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Visitors can expect a warm welcome—there’s always a friendly face behind the desk!

Once inside, you’ll find our gallery shop featuring work by emerging and established artists and makers. With a focus on Wales, we celebrate the handmade alongside gifts, books, and stationery.

To the left is The Maker, a smaller exhibition space within the shop showcasing craft-focused works. To the right, The Gallery retains the character of the non-denominational Seaman’s Mission it once was and hosts exhibitions ranging from solo shows to collaborative work. The space is also available for hire.

Alongside exhibitions, our outreach programme works with community groups, schools, and young people on artist-led projects, while also offering workshops and courses for families, children, and adults. Workshops take place upstairs or in the exhibition space.

Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects that you’re particularly excited about?

🧶 Sue Hiley Harris - Weaving Unearthed (22 March - 17 May 2025)
An exhibition exploring experimental woven structures inspired by organic root systems, using silver, copper wire, and paper yarn.

🎭 Merched ar Lestri (7 June - 30 August 2025)
A collaboration between Ceramic Artist Lowri Davies and Poet Elinor Gwynn, celebrating the lives of seven women with deep connections to Wales.

You can explore past, present, and future exhibitions on our website at missiongallery.co.uk.

What do you think makes Swansea a special place for art and culture?

I grew up just outside Swansea and returned after university. Swansea is special not only for its natural beauty but for its incredible creative community. The coastal location and dramatic landscapes have long inspired poets and artists—Dylan Thomas comes to mind, but also Glenys Cour, who exhibited at Mission Gallery at 100 years old!

Swansea also has a thriving music and performance scene. I’m always impressed by Menter Iaith Abertawe’s events like Gŵyl Tawe, a Welsh-language music festival. Alongside grassroots venues like The Bunkhouse and Elysium, these initiatives keep the city’s creative spirit alive.

What are your favourite spots in Swansea?
For food, you can never go wrong with Gigi Gao’s in the marina. If you’re making a day of it, visit the city’s galleries and museums, take a walk along the beach, grab a Joe’s ice cream, and head to Mumbles.

What’s one hidden gem in Swansea that more people should know about?
I love vintage, so I’d always keep an eye out for the Vintage & Makers Market at the National Waterfront Museum.

What’s a memorable experience or moment you’ve had in Swansea?
Having spent most of my time in Swansea, there are quite a few to choose from. Gwener y Grolsch at Tŷ Tawe was one, but more recently, it was the sheer madness of Lewis Prosser’s Making Merrie performance.

Where can people find out more about Mission Gallery?

Pop into the gallery -Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Plus:

• Visit our website missiongallery.co.uk or online shop missionshop.co.uk.

• To stay updated, sign up for our mailing list or follow us on Eventbrite to be the first to know when new workshops go live!

• Information about applying to exhibit, venue hire, or art parties can be found on our website.

• We keep our social media updated, including Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube, and remain engaged - drop any questions in the comments or send us a DM.

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Monday March 3rd
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tuesday March 4th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | Seriously Collins | 7 PM

Wednesday March 5th
Cu Mumbles | Emma Kershaw with the Dave Cottle Trio | 8 PM
Pontardawe Arts Centre | Katherine Priddy | 7.30 PM

Thursday March 6th
Hippos | Open Mic | 4 PM
Waterloo Stores | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Gin & Juice | Live Lounge Thursdays | 7.30 PM
Altitude 28 | Jazz Thursdays | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | Red Snapper | 7 PM
The Welfare, Ystradgynlais | Cynefin | 8 PM

Friday March 7th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Bonnie Rogues | After Work Perks | 8 PM
The Oyster House | Friday Night Live | 8 PM
Gower Inn | Live Music Night | 7 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | The Mersey Beatles | 7.30 PM
Elysium | Two Til Twelve + Brian Karrot + Whilbur + John Davies + The Paul Edwards Band | 7 PM
Swansea Arena | Coffeeshop Sessions | 12 PM - 2 PM
Hangar 18 | MAN | 7.30 PM
The Swigg | The Buzzcuts | 8 PM

Saturday March 8th
HQ Urban Kitchen | Saturday Sessions | 1 PM
Elysium | The Allergies (DJ Set) + Skunkadelic & The Digital Kid + DJ Chronic | 8 PM
The Swigg | Everything’s Electric | 6 PM
The Swigg | Half Moon Band | 9 PM

Sunday March 9th
Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sundays | 8 PM
Swansea Arena | The Darkness | 7 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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