Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that’s like wrapping yourself in a warm towel straight from the dryer 😊

Over 400 new people subscribed to the newsletter this week, so if this is your first edition, a big hello and welcome!

I hope you enjoy reading the Scoop as much as I do writing it. If you have any feedback or suggestions for what you’d like to see included in the future, hit reply and let me know.

In this week’s Swansea Scoop:

• 🍎 Gower Apple and Cider Festival!

• 👻 Margam Park Fright Nights!

• 😋 Scrumptious Scoops!

• 🌧️ 5 Swansea Rainy Day Activities (That You Probably Haven’t Tried)

• … and tons more!

Let’s get to it.

— James

THE DIGEST

🍬 Sweet Success: Emily Roberts from Swansea has turned her hobby of making marshmallows into a successful business - The Welsh Mallow Company. Starting from her kitchen while on maternity leave, the mum of two’s venture quickly gained popularity at local markets. So much so, that she's decided to go at it full-time.

🥘 Thai Restaurant Relocates: The popular Bryn-y-mor restaurant, Thai Bach, has re-located to Swansea Airport. It’s open for sit in, delivery, or takeaway from 5 PM from Thursday until Sunday.

New Soft Play: Buzz Trampoline Park in Llansamlet has announced that its brand new soft play area will open on Monday October 14th. To celebrate, you can get 50% off entry for the first week. It's open from 9AM - 4PM, Monday to Friday.

🐦 Rare bird: Birdwatchers flocked to Swansea Bay this week to catch the sight of a Eurasian hoopoe, known for its striking crown of feathers and black-and-white wings. Typically found in Asia, Africa, and Europe, it is rare to see them in the UK.

SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOPS

Looking for somewhere new to meet friends for coffee and great food this week? Try Station 86 in Gowerton.

Station 86 is an independent cafe serving locally roasted coffee and great, fresh food daily - and it recently celebrated its 7th birthday!

Food options include full breakfasts, burgers, pancakes, smoked salmon, and a regularly updated specials menu.

⏰ Opening Times:
Monday - Saturday: 8.30 AM - 3.30 PM
Sunday: 9 AM - 3.30 PM

📍 Location Map and Directions: 86 Sterry Road, Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3BW

Want your business to be featured as a Scrumptious Scoop next week? Reply to this e-mail for more details!

WHAT’S ON

😱 Margam Park Fright Nights

When I was growing up, Halloween used to mean wearing a flimsy mask in the vague shape of a generic monster and apple bobbing in other people’s saliva for one night on October 31st. But, here we are in 2024 with large-scale spooky events starting nearly two weeks earlier.

If (unlike me… yet) you’re already in the Halloween spirit, the Fright Nights event in Margam, a short drive from Swansea, should be right up your Nightmare-on-Elm-Street. Sorry.

Daily from October 18th to November 3rd, the spooky trail runs outside, then into the castle - complete with a cast of live actors, street food and drinks, plus fairground rides. There are two experiences on offer:

Family Fun: For those wanting to enjoy some light-hearted Halloween fun, with jumps and giggles galore. Suitable for over 5s.
 Sun - Fri: Adult £25 | Child £15 | Family £65 | Sat: Adult £25 | Child £15 | Family £65

Extreme Horror: Strictly for 15-year-olds and over and those who crave spine-chilling terror. Professional scare actors will not break character in an experience designed to terrify.
Sun - Fri: £20 | Sat: £25

🍎 Gower Apple & Cider Festival

The apple tree in our garden supplied us with a bounty of, count ‘em, three apples this year! But, given how terrible a gardener I am, I’m calling that a win. Presumably, the Gower Heritage Centre has been a lot more successful in its growing, since the annual Gower Cider Festival returns there all this coming weekend (Friday October 18th - Sunday October 20th), where you can experience a wide variety of locally produced, award-winning Welsh cheese, cider, and perry. Plus, watch as apples are harvested, and squeezed on a traditional 1800s travelling press - all this backed by a full day of live music and entertainment.
6 PM until late on Friday; 10 AM until late on Saturday, and 10 AM until 5 PM on Sunday | £8 - £26 (Day, night and weekend tickets all available).

🎃 Plan Ahead: Halloween Events for Everyone

I’ll be sharing a more in-depth round-up of the best Halloween events for children and adults in the coming weeks, but I’ve also gathered together the ultimate list of spooky celebrations happening across Swansea in the images below. Have I missed any? Hit reply and let me know.

Feel free to share these on social media - and please tag @Swansea Scoop on Facebook and @swansea.scoop on Instagram so I can see, too!

BEST OF THE REST

There’s loads to do and see across the city this week, starting with:

Monday October 14th

🤡 Circus Show: The Happy Circus will be pitching up its big top at Penyrehol Comprehensive School for a show including acrobats, magic, and aerialists. I saw them perform in the summer, and it was great family fun!
6 PM | £11

🍿 Wayne’s World: Enjoy the 1992 classic comedy starring Mike Myers on the big screen at the Taliesin Arts Centre. Grab tickets for So I Married an Axe Murderer and see both for £10.
7.30 PM | £7.75

👚 Evening Mini Market: Head down to Flashpoint in Parc Tawe for an evening filled with a selection of Swansea’s best makers and traders - plus coffees, cake, beers, pizzas, and climbing.
4 PM - 8 PM (climbing wall, cafe & bar open until 10 PM)

📜 Gorseinon History Exhibition: Gorseinon Library launches a new history exhibition today, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past. It will run until Monday November 11th.

Tuesday October 15th

😴 Swans Big Sleep Out: Sleep out for one night at the Swansea.com stadium to raise awareness of homelessness and raise money for Matthew’s House and the Swansea City AFC Foundation. 
7 PM | £25 registration fee.

🍂 Autumn Wreath Workshop: Head to Hoogah Bar & Kitchen to make your own mini everlasting wreath using a selection of beautiful dried flowers and foliage, hosted by Petallical Flower Farm.
6 PM - 7.30 PM | £40

🥊 Mumfighter: Catch the opening night of Mumfighter at the Grand Theatre; an exhilarating production about a mum, her disabled child, a broken system, and ten rounds of boxing. Runs on multiple dates until October 25th.  
7.45 PM | £8 - £17.50.

🚶‍♀️‍➡️ 50+ Nordic Walking: Join instructor Kim Davies for a free Nordic walking session around Cwmdonkin Park as part of the ParkLives programme.
10 AM | Free | Booking required.

🦉 Owl Talk: Join Mike Shewring from the Gower Ornithological Society at St Paul’s Church in Sketty for a fascinating talk about the enigmatic long-eared owl.
7.15 PM | £1 on the door.

📽️ Free Film Screening: The Albert Hall returns to its cinema roots, with free films on the big screen every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. This Tuesday is Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Wednesday October 16th

🎃 Pumpkin Culinary Workshop: Join the Swansea Community Fridge at its Training Kitchen (Goleudy, Cambrian Place, Swansea, SA1 1RG) for the first of two events where you’ll learn to cook a delicious starter and main course with a professional chef.
1.30 PM - 4 PM | Free | Booking required.

😆 Su Pollard Live: Meet Su to celebrate her 50 years in show business with a night of hilarious laughter, fabulous songs and wonderful stories in Su Pollard - Still Fully Charged.
7.30 PM | £28.50

✒️ Author Talk: Local author Bernard Lewis will be in conversation about his brand new book, Swansea and the Second World War at Waterstones on Oxford St.
6 PM | £3.

🪴 Drop-in Gardening: Head to the Environment Centre for its free weekly planting and gardening session in its urban garden where you’ll discover new skills and meet new friends.
Free | Booking required.

Thursday October 17th

👨‍👩‍👧 Big Parenting Questions: Mums, Dads, and carers are invited to join charity Care for the Family at City Church to learn practical strategies to help navigate your children's leap from childhood to adolescence.
7.30 PM | £8 - £11

🪩 Queenz Drag Show: Queenz arrives at The Grand Theatre with a brand-new, electrifying live drag show, blending powerhouse pop and dazzling disco. Also on Friday, October 18th.
7.30 PM | £22 - £27

🦎 Furry Tails from the Zoo: Take your little one (2+) to Plantasia for storytelling, crafts, and an animal handling session - plus, explore the zoo at your own pace afterwards.
2.30 PM - 3.30 PM | Tickets

✍️ Author Talk: Join Jan Carson, winner of the EU Prize for Literature at Waterstones to discuss her new collection, Quickly, While They Still Have Horses will be in conversation with fellow author, Elaine Canning.
6 PM | £3

👨🏿 Windrush Performance: The Taliesin Arts Centre hosts Windrush Secret, a one-man drama about the Windrush scandal, which The Guardian described as “pulling no punches.”
7.30 PM | £5 - £15

🇲🇦 Moroccan Night: Join The Tangled Parrot for a night of delicious Moroccan food, surrounded by North African sounds and a slideshow of Joujouka featuring the legendary Master Musicians.
7 PM | £30.80

Friday October 18th

🎤 Martin Kemp Live: Dig out those 80s clothes, grab your dancing shoes, and prepare to enjoy a night of pure nostalgia as Martin Kemp rocks the Patti Pavillion.
7 PM | £20

🖼️ Mosaic Workshop: Learn the skills to make your own mosaic masterpiece or contribute to collaborative works for public display, at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
1 PM - 3 PM | Free drop in

📖 Tales from the Vault: Head to the Discovery Room on the first floor of Swansea Central Library to see a few of its favourite things. Also on Saturday October 19th.
10.30 AM - 4.30 PM | Free drop in

🥗 Vegetarian and Vegan Banquet: Enjoy a delicious feast, served at one long, communal table and take the chance to spend time with friends (and meet some new ones) at HQ Urban Kitchen.
7 PM - 10 PM | £25.

🍎 DIY vinegar workshop: Head to the Environment Centre to learn how easy it is to make vinegar from fruit at home in a hands-on workshop.
11 AM - 1 PM | £5

🕺 Ecstatic Dance: Honour the lunar cycle and de-stress with an evening of ecstatic dance and cacao at the Ostreme Centre, hosted by Ecstatic Dance Wales.
7 PM - 9.30 PM | £20.21

👩 Menopause Walk & Talk: Head to Fendrod Lake with friends and family for a relaxed stroll around the lake, to chat laugh and celebrate women’s resilience through menopause for World Menopause Week. Plus, bag yourself a medal and a free Holland and & Barrett goody bag for taking part!
1PM | Free

Saturday October 19th

👗 Felindre Food & Crafts Market: Head to Felindre Hall and Grounds to discover a wide variety of vendors selling everything from food and drink to jewellery, prints and homewares.
10 AM - 3 PM

🇮🇳 Diwali Decorations: Suitable for children, join Sarita at the National Waterfront Museum to make beautiful Rangoli patterns using colourful powders and learn about the different Diwali symbols.
1 PM - 3 PM | Free drop in

🍲 Live Cooking Demos: Enjoy the Taste of Swansea Market hosted by Swansea Food Partnership, which will include live cookery demos from MasterChef semi-finalist, Private Chef Christos, plus a programme of great musical entertainment.
11 AM - 4 PM

🤠󠁭󠁸󠁭󠁥󠁸󠁿 Day of the Dead Barn Dance: A mini-festival featuring live bands, line dancing, and moonshine is taking place at Woebly Castle Farm Barn - back for its third year. Fancy dress is encouraged!
1 PM | £10 - £25

Mario Kart Tournament: Are you Swansea’s top Mario Kart player? Head down to XP Gaming Bar and show off your skills, with a £50 prize for the winner. Under 18s welcome!
3 PM | £3 entry

😂 Stand-up Comedy: Join Abi Roberts and Noel James for an evening of life stories, new ideas, and very silly accents at Cinema and Co.
7 PM | £15

🍽️ Cozy Cooking Class: Barnardo’s and Co-op are hosting a new cooking club for young people aged 14-17 at St James' Parish Centre in the Uplands.
1PM - 3 PM | Free (Booking Required)

🎶 Choir Concert: Cor Curiad Ladies Choir presents its annual concert, Tea and Tunes III at Loughor Welfare Hall, including free tea and cakes!
3 PM | £5 (Booking Required)

Sunday October 20th

🕺 ABBA Tribute Show: Waterloo: A Tribute To ABBA lands in Swansea Arena, celebrating 50 years of ABBA with a live cast, stunning visuals, and breathtaking choreography. Very limited tickets.
7.30 PM | £28.50

😆 Stand-up Comedy: Enjoy a night of laughter at the Stone Circle Comedy Club’s British Comedian of the Year event at Pinatas Burrito Bar, with the chance to see the next big comedy star in action.
7 PM - 10 PM | £11.55

5 RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES IN SWANSEA (THAT YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T TRIED)

Looking for a new activity to try when the Swansea weather is awful (quite often, let’s admit)? Try one of these:

🏎️ Virtual Racing: SimRace1 features eight interconnected state-of-the-art racing simulators, with ultra-wide triple screens and race seats that rumble. Whether you want to race solo or with a group, they can hook you up.
📍 30-31 High Street, Swansea, Wales. SA1 1LG

🎨 Pottery Painting: Craftsea is the only paint-your-own-pottery studio in Swansea, and anyone can book ahead or drop in to relax, get creative and later collect your one-of-a-kind creation once it’s been fired. Regular sessions now also hosted at The Albert Hall.
📍622 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4EA

🏹 Indoor Archery: Suitable for ages 8+, Clyne Farm Centre regularly hosts 30-minute lessons in this ancient art form, guided by a friendly instructor.
📍Westport Ave, Mayals, Swansea SA3 5AR

⛳ Golf Simulator: Pennard Golf Course recently launched a state-of-the-art 4K golf simulator - perfect for a dark, cold and wet evening. The venue hosts golf tuition, birthday parties, golf and darts nights, and more.
📍 2 Southgate Rd, Southgate, Swansea SA3 2BT

🕵️‍♀️ Escape Room: Swansea has several escape rooms, but if you’re after the newest experience, try Escape Kingz in Fforestfach. There are two rooms to solve now (with another in the pipeline), based on a pirate and detective theme.
📍 Abertawe House, Ystrad Rd, Fforestfach, Swansea SA5 4JB

SWANSEA WORDLE (#6) 🧠

Swansea Wordle gets more web traffic than Google, and it’s back for Round 6. Are you Swansea’s Wordle Champ? Prove it!

Every answer is a place, person or thing related to our fine city.

Have a go, then reply to this e-mail to let me know how you got on!

Clue: Tony Hawk once skated here

➡️ Click here to play ⬅️

WEATHER

Mon 14th: 15°C 🌡️ 10°C ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze

Tue 15th: 16°C 🌡️ 14°C 🌧️ Light rain and a moderate breeze

Wed 16th: 17°C 🌡️ 12°C 🌧️ Light rain and a gentle breeze

Thu 17th: 16°C 🌡️ 10°C 🌦️ Light rain showers and a gentle breeze

Fri 18th: 15°C 🌡️ 11°C 🌦️ Light rain showers and a moderate breeze

Sat 19th: 15°C 🌡️ 10°C 🌧️ Light rain and a moderate breeze

Sun 20th: 16°C 🌡️ 12°C 🌧️ Light rain and a moderate breeze

QUESTION TIME

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Does your business want to sponsor this section? Hit reply and let me know!

October 13th
The Bunkhouse | Katie, Art, Red Red Red and False Idles | 6 PM
Elysium | Rachel Taylor-Beales + Bowen | 7 PM

October 16th
The New Valley | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

October 17th
The Bunkhouse | Das Koolies | 6 PM
Elysium | Rona Mac + Sarah Passmore | 7 PM

October 18th
Elysium | Goat Major | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | 999 | 6 PM
Swansea Arena | Billy Porter - Black Mona Lisa | 7 PM
Cu Mumbles | Laurence Cottle All Star Big Band | 8.30 PM
The Upside | Paul Henry | TBA
The Oyster House | Friday Night Live | 8 PM

October 19th
Hangar 18 | GREG DOUGLASS of The Steve Miller Band 7.30 PM
Elysium | Motel Sundown + Dark and Twisties | 3 PM
The Village Hotel | ABBA Duo Tribute | 7 PM
Ty Tawe | Angharad Jenkins and Patrick Rimes | 7 PM
Swansea Arena | Ben Howard | 7 PM
Sin City | The Bluetones | 6.30 PM
Kings Head | Captain Cat & The Sailors | 7.30 PM
Commercial Inn Brynhyfryd | The Love Cats 80s Duo | 8 PM
Hogarths | The Goodges | 9 PM
The Studio | ABABCB Presents Open Mic | 12 PM - 4 PM

October 20th
Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sunday | 8 PM

THANKS

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