Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that's been exploring the hidden basement of Swansea Museum!

We were invited for a special look at a space that most visitors never get to see - narrow, cold tunnels and claustrophobic “apartments,” once home to a caretaker and his family who worked there in the 1800s (well before it became the Swansea Museum we know today). Keep an eye out for next Wednesday’s Scoop for the full, unbelievable story.

As for what’s happening this week, there’s everything from school assembly bangers and a big Llys Nini dog show, to a bunch of pop-up markets and a Stitch Pizza Party!

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

Andrew

WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢

Every week, hundreds of people step aboard a 57-foot boat in Swansea Marina and sail back in time to when the city was the copper capital of the world.

This week, discover how a group of volunteers determined to preserve Swansea's industrial heritage turned their passion project into one of the city's most beloved attractions.

Read All Aboard The Copper Jack 🚢

THE DIGEST 📰

🎤 Bob Dylan has announced three "phone-free" concerts at Swansea Arena on November 9th, 10th, and 11th as part of his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour.

♻️ Swansea Council's soft plastics recycling trial has collected over five tonnes of plastic bags and wrapping from around 20,000 households.

🚧 The reopening of Dunvant Road in Killay has been delayed again to mid-September, two years after a sinkhole caused its closure.

💰 Swansea rural communities are benefiting from £200,000 in funding for 13 projects including a Human Library, solar panels for cancer support services, and woodland restoration.

💼 Swansea has been ranked third in the UK for aspiring entrepreneurs, with 75% of residents saying they've considered starting their own business.

🎭 Swansea Grand Theatre has announced that Welsh actress Celyn Cartwright will star alongside Joe Pasquale and Kev Johns in this year's pantomime production of Aladdin, running from December 6th to January 4th.

SUMMER FUN FOR ALN ADULTS

On July 25th, a unique summer celebration is being held in the city centre - the Potens Festival of Fun in the Sun. We caught up with Kirsty Roberts and Katie Jones from Potens to learn all about it.

Can you tell us a bit about Potens and the work it does in Swansea? 
Kirsty: Potens has been around for over 35 years, providing care and support for children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs right across the UK. Here in Swansea, we run several services focused on helping people live as independently as possible while getting the support they need.

At Brynhyfryd, I make sure our residents get the best care possible in a place that really feels like home. Katie's more hands-on with residents every day at our home in Clydach.

What's the most rewarding part of your job? 
Kirsty: For me, it’s about creating an environment where both staff and residents feel supported and happy.

Katie: It's more the one-on-one stuff - the conversations, the laughs, or seeing someone achieve something they've been working towards and watching their confidence grow over time.

Tell us about the Potens Festival of Fun in the Sun:
Kirsty: It's on July 25th at Dyfatty Community Centre from 10 AM -2 PM and it’s a free, accessible event for adults with additional learning needs - you just need to grab a ticket beforehand.

We've got an adult bouncy castle, live DJ, face painting, glitter tattoos, food stalls, lawn games, and a raffle. There's even a prize for the best festival outfit if you fancy dressing up.

Any tips for attendees? 
Just bring some cash for the raffle if you want to have a go - everything else is free!

Before you go... favourite thing about Swansea and your go-to food spots? 
The Gower Kitchen is brilliant for a proper meal - their brunch especially. And Founders & Co is great when you're out with a group since there's loads of choice.

To book your free ticket, contact Kirsty at [email protected] or Katie at [email protected]

SWANSEA FOOD & DRINK 🍴

🍽️ On The Rocks is hosting its monthly Sunset Sessions evening on Friday July 18th - enjoy drinks and nibbles with views of Swansea Bay and live music from Dan Stockton.

The Swigg has launched a new Street food menu, featuring tacos, burgers, bao buns, loaded fries, and more. Served Thursday to Sunday.

Peppermint Bar has re-launched its Beat the Bartender offer - win in a battle of rock, paper, scissors to double your round. Every Friday from 9 PM.

@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱

While we were riding the Copper Jack last week, we recorded a video which has kind of gone Swansea-viral, racking up over quarter of a million views across our social media profiles!

Check out our video below for our most complicated shoot yet - two cameras over two days. Actual B-roll! 😄

And why not give Swansea Scoop a follow while you’re there? We’re now at over 15,000 followers on Instagram and over 16,000 on Facebook!

WHAT’S ON

Here comes a big round-up of everything else cool happening in Swansea this week. Ready? Let’s go!

Monday July 14th

👶 Parent & Toddler Arts Collective Workshop: Free arts and crafts workshop at Swansea Arena with music, storytelling, and imaginative play for ages 0-5 and their parents/carers. Limited to 20 spaces, booking required. 11 AM - 12.30 PM | Free

🎭 Les Miserables: Abbey Players, Cockett, and Swansea Amateur Operatic Societies perform the Welsh Amateur premiere of Les Miserables, "Let The People Sing." Until Saturday, July 19th.
Various dates/times | £20.00 - £32.00

Tuesday July 15th

🕴️ Tiny Tim's Biggest Adventure: Join the social media sensation live on stage for his biggest, most hilarious adventure yet - at Swansea Grand Theatre.
8:00 PM | £24.50

Budgie in Conversation: Budgie shares stories from his career, notably drumming for Siouxsie and The Banshees, in this intimate event at Elysium Gallery & Bar. Limited tickets remaining.
7.30 PM | £5.42 - £27.10

Wednesday July 16th

🪧 Chinese Paper Cutting - Scissor Style: Join artist Weixin Liu to learn the art of Chinese paper cutting at Mission Gallery, creating intricate designs symbolizing luck and happiness.
11.30 AM - 2.30 PM | £30

Thursday July 17th

🎶 A Choral Feast: Join Tabernacle Morriston Choir for its 147th Annual Concert - an evening of great choral music accompanied by a 3-course meal.
7 PM | £18.00

Friday July 18th

🧠 The Simpsons Quiz Night: Test your Springfield knowledge in an evening of themed trivia at Level256. From Duff Beer to Mr. Burns, dive into The Simpsons' world with questions spanning all eras.
7 PM |

Saturday July 19th

🛍️ Killay Summer Market: Lots of local traders will be showcasing their goods at Killay Precinct, with live music to enjoy while you browse.
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

🛍️ Penllergaer Pop Up Market: Visit Llewelyn Hall for the first market of the year featuring a varied lineup of local businesses with food, drink, crafts and more.
11 AM - 3 PM

🍕 Stitch Themed Pizza Party: Join an intergalactic adventure at Mumbles Pier with Stitch! Enjoy pizza, dress-up, friendship bracelets, fun & games at this family-friendly event. Fancy dress encouraged!
5 PM - 7.15 PM | From £5pp

🌻 Rhossili Sunflowers: The sunflower fields at Rhossili are now open for 2025. It’s the start of the season, so don’t expect them all to be in full bloom - unlike the lavender, which is still looking lovely. 

🏺 Finds Surgery: Got an old or interesting archaeological object? Meet the Finds Liaison Officers at Swansea Museum who will help identify them for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
10 AM - 1 PM & 2 PM - 4 PM | Email to guarantee a slot.

🧙‍♀️ The Wizard Of Oz: TPF Stage School presents a magical performance of The Wizard of Oz at Dylan Thomas Theatre. Join Dorothy on her adventure down the yellow brick road.
6.30 PM | £12-£14

🦈 Fascinating Sharks: Dive into the world of sharks at Oriel Science. Explore shark egg cases, development, and more with family-friendly talks and interactive activities. 11 AM & 2 PM | Free

🖼️ Summer Craft Fair: Explore pottery, fashion accessories, crafts, gifts, a raffle, and more at the Swansea Canal Centre - 42 Hebron Road, Clydach, SA6 5EJ.
10 AM - 2 PM | Free

📸 Swansea Photo Walk: Join a Leica UK at the National Waterfront Mueum for a street photography walk led by Ethan Cooper. Learn street photography skills, explore the city, and connect with other photography enthusiasts.
1 PM - 4 PM | £15

🎻 Swansea Bay Symphony Orchestra: Music from Stage & Screen: Enjoy classical treasures with themes from Gladiator, Star Wars, Les Miserables, and more at All Saints Church, Mumbles - conducted by Paul Lewis and hosted by Heart 90s DJ, Kevin Hughes.
7 PM | £10, Under 18s Free

🤼 Exist Pro Wrestling: This adult-only, action-packed professional wrestling event returns to Swansea for a night of thrills at the Gorseinon Events Centre.
6.30 PM | £12.50

🥊 Oleksandyr Usyk VS Daniel Dubois Screening: Witness Usyk and Dubois clash for the undisputed heavyweight title at Cinema & Co., with food and drinks available.
5.30 PM - Late | £5 - £10

🚶‍♂️ Free Guided Tour Hafod Morfa Copperworks: Uncover Swansea's copper heritage on a free guided walk of Hafod Morfa Copperworks. No booking required.
11 AM - 1 PM | Free

🏛️ Historical Association - Swansea Branch Talk: Dr. Tom Allbeson from Cardiff University explores depictions of Swansea in the press post-World War II, portraying the city's evolution -at the National Waterfront Museum.
11 AM - 12.15 PM | Free

🎭 The Nigel Jenkins Awards Book Launch: Join the H’mm Foundation for the launch of Lottie Williams' "The Edge Of Everything," winner of The Nigel Jenkins Prize 2023, at Cover to Cover bookshop in Mumbles.
6 PM | Free

Sunday July 20th

🐕 Dog of the Year & Family Fun Day 2025: Enjoy a paw-some day out at Llys Nini RSPCA in Penllergaer, featuring a dog show anyone can enter, dog agility course, kids’ fun and inflatables, and entertainment by the Rock Choir.
10 AM doors, show 11.30 AM | £5 per car, £3 per dog category

🕺 Assembly Bangers: Relive favourite childhood school songs with throwback snacks at St Mary's Church, hosted by Swansea Minster.
4 PM | Free

🎥 Antiques Roadshow: Fiona Bruce and the team film the 48th series at the National Waterfront Museum, showcasing antiques, heirlooms, and vintage treasures with specialists and collectibles experts.
July 20, 2025 | Free to attend, booking required

🎥 Summer Holiday Family Film Club: Animated films for children will be shown every Sunday during the summer holidays at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, starting this week.
11 AM - 1 PM & 2 PM - 4 PM | Free

🎈 Soft Play for 4 Yrs and Under: St Peter’s Church has launched an inflatable soft play session for young children at St. Peter's Church Hall, Newton every Sunday. Limited spaces available, contact via Facebook to reserve.
11.30 AM, 12.45 PM, 2 PM | £4 per child

SWANSEA PROPERTY

This 3-bed detached bungalow in Derwen Fawr has a large South East-facing garden, no chain, and is just a short walk from Swansea Bay beach. £425,000.

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Monday July 14th
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Noah’s Yard | Jazz Club | 8.30 PM
The Bunkhouse | Carnivore A.D. | 6 PM

Tuesday July 15th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM
Swansea Minster | Summer Organ Recitals | 1.10 PM

Wednesday July 16th


Thursday July 17th
Gin & Juice | Live Lounge Thursdays | 7.30 PM
Elysium | Verbal Remedy | 7 PN

Friday July 18th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Cu Mumbles | Dave Cottle Party and Dance Band | 7 PM
The Strand Bar | Gyro | 7 PM
The Patti Pavilion | The Olivia Rodrigo Experience | 5 PM
The Bunkhouse | Nicky Bevan Memorial Gig | 7 PM
Bar Saint James | A Night of Saxophone | 7.30 PM

Saturday July 19th
Sin City | Hobo Johnson | 7 PM
Elysium | Lacross Club | 7.30 PM
The Railway Inn, Killay | Poco Logo | 4 PN

Sunday July 20th
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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