Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that’s like reaching the front of the ice-cream queue 😊

It’s been a bit warm this week, hasn’t it? I was up early on Saturday to film the sunrise on the summer solstice over Swansea Bay. Got up at 4am, and just managed to catch the sun as it peeked between two clouds.

If there’s one thing about the sunny weather, it feels like the whole of Swansea has come alive - and this week’s packed event diary is there to prove it. From sunset swift-watching walks to rooftop discos and tons of weekend family fun, there's honestly something for everyone.

Whatever you're up to, stay cool and I'll catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew

WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢

THE DIGEST 📰

🏢 Swansea Council's cabinet is set to approve funding for detailed designs of a new five-storey office development on the former St David's Shopping Centre site.

🗣️ Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has announced that the Welsh National Theatre will establish its first headquarters at Swansea's civic centre.

🦈 A rare 40-pound tope shark has been caught in Swansea Bay by local angler Alex Mcglynn - the critically endangered species is typically found in deeper waters.

🍔 American burger chain Carl's Jr will open its second UK restaurant on Swansea's Wind Street in early September, sharing the former TGI Friday's building with Slim Chickens.

🚗 Swansea's Ynysforgan Roundabout at Junction 45 of the M4 has been ranked as the 5th most stressful junction in the UK and 16th most stressful in the world.

📽️ Swansea student Daria Savchenko has been nominated for Best Documentary at the prestigious Into Film Awards 2025 for her personal film "Mariupol," which explores her experience of war and displacement.

SWANSEA FOOD & DRINK 🍴

Looking for some fresh spots to eat and drink in Swansea this week? Try this lot out:

🎵 Altitude28 is hosting Soulstice, an Ibiza Radio 1 Summer Soulstice featuring soulful house music, panoramic city views, artisan cocktails and curated bites on Saturday, June 28th.

🍽️ Au Vodka is opening its new HQ and coffee shop in Swansea tomorrow Monday June 23rd at Crucible Park, Llansamlet, SA7 0AR. Why not pop in for a vodka iced latte and a brownie?

🍽️ ND John Wine Merchants is hosting an Italian Supper Club featuring Paolo Leo wines, with Italian-themed food pairings, expertly guided by Nick and the team on Thursday June 26th.

🍽️ BrewStone is hosting a Paint & Sip evening on June 27th, with a complimentary welcome glass of wine included in the ticket price.

🍽️ It's Science Hair Salon has opened its outdoor garden space in partnership with The Pizza Boyz, offering teas and coffees, brunch, and pizzas delivered to your table.

@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱

Have you visited the lavender fields in Swansea? We visited the other week, but they won’t be around for long if you want to check them out. Great for photos, and you can even take some away with you.

Check out our video on Instagram and give Swansea Scoop a follow while you’re there for lots of content that we can’t squeeze into the newsletter. We’re now approaching 14,000 followers!

Find us at @swansea.scoop

CAN YOU HELP MATT’S CAFE?

Matt’s Café on High Street is working on something new - and they’re asking the people of Swansea to help bring it to life.

Based at Matthew’s House, a warm and welcoming space supporting people in crisis, Matt’s Café serves hot meals on a pay-as-you-feel basis using intercepted food waste.

Now they’re building Greenhill Gardens - a peaceful, bee-friendly space built from reused and reclaimed materials - think gabion walls filled with old bricks, community seating made from rescued timber, and spaces designed for nature and people to share.

To get it finished, they’re looking for clean, reusable materials - bricks, tiles, logs, bottles, bamboo canes, pipes, pebbles, and anything else that might be hiding in the corner of your garden or shed.

They’ve got a van running to help collect things, but extra hands are welcome too. They’re especially keen to hear from gardeners, builders, roofers or anyone who’s just done a bit of DIY and has leftover bits to spare.

If you’ve got something to donate or want to get involved (the big build proper starts in less than 2 weeks), drop Matt’s Café a message on social media or head to matthewshouse.org.uk.

Got a local story about someone doing something extraordinary in Swansea? Reply and tell us all about it - we might just feature it here!

WHAT’S ON

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

Monday June 23rd

🎨 Pontardawe Arts and Crafts Festival: Join the Pontardawe Arts and Crafts Festival at Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre for 6 days of harmonica workshops, bottle corking, pottery, glass gilding, children's art club, and artist showcases.
June 23 at 10:00 AM to June 28 at 3:00 PM

🌙 Sgleinio'r Lleuad (Polishing the Moon): Join Byrti and Bwbw in this magical Welsh children's production about polishing the moon at Taliesin Arts Centre. Suitable for 3-7-year-olds and new Welsh speakers of all ages.
1 PM | £8 - £12

🎻 Welsh Chamber Orchestra: Peter & The Wolf: Immerse in the enchanted world of Prokofiev's Peter & The Wolf with the Welsh Chamber Orchestra at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. Perfect for children, featuring a bilingual narrative by Jeremy Huw Williams.
10.30 AM & 1.30 PM | £8

🦅 Swifts at Sunset in Sketty: Join the celebration to protect local swifts at Glanmor Road and Sketty Avenue. Learn about the project and enjoy a sunset walk to spot swifts.
8:30 PM | Free

📽️ Big Screen Sing-Along: The Albert Hall hosts sing-along screenings every Monday evening. Keep an eye on its social profiles for what's on, and get ready to belt out some favourites.
6 PM

Tuesday June 24th

📽️ Documenting Swansea: Head to the Taliesin Arts Centre for the screening of a local documentary tackling the cost of living crisis and supporting services, along with short films from Mioe CIC and Women’s Aid.
7.30 PM | Free

🎳 Swansea Bowls Open Day: Enjoy a free afternoon of lawn bowls at Victoria Park. All are welcome, from beginners to experienced players. Light refreshments provided.
2 PM | Free

Wednesday June 25th

🎶 Open Decks: Every Wednesday night, Hippos hosts its open DJ Decks sessions - the chance to sharpen your skills on professional equipment (or just show off what you can do!). Everyone welcome!
7 PM

Thursday June 26th

🦅 Swifts at Sunset in Gowerton: Join a sunset walk to spot swifts, learn about Saving Swansea's Swifts project, and celebrate these local endangered birds.
8.30 PM | Free

🏌️‍♂️ Crazy Golf Fundraiser for Crisis: Putt your way through crazy courses at BUNKERS! Swansea while fundraising for a good cause. Teams of 2-6 people (aged 18+) can enter for £10.
6.30 PM | £10

🏛️ Dementia Friendly Gallery Tour and Drumming: Explore the 'Made in Wales' gallery and enjoy a drumming session at the National Waterfront Museum, designed for those affected by dementia.
1 PM - 3:30 PM | Free

🕺 Dance Class with Ceroc South Wales: Swing by the Albert Hall for easy partner dancing with Ceroc South Wales. No experience or partner needed.
7.30 PM - 8.45 PM | £11

Friday June 27th

🎵 RiverFest 2025: Enjoy a weekend of live music at The River House in SA1, featuring The DC Party Band, Semi-skimmed Milk, and more across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Free

🎭 Irish Annie's: Join landlady Annie and her quirky customers at Irish Annie's pub (AKA Swansea Grand Theatre!) for a night of Irish music, comedy, and original songs by Asa Murphy. Starring Ricky Tomlinson.
7 PM | £29.50

🎵 The Phoenix Choir of Wales: Enjoy modern male voice choir music combined with popular hits in a journey through the decades at the Taliesin Arts Centre, featuring special guests Schola Cantorum and host Kev Johns MBE.
7.15 PM | £11 - £18

🎨 Uplandish 6: Enjoy artist talks and readings at Tides Art Gallery with James Peaple (who specialises in experimental photography) and Helen Belton (whose work explores the intersection of place, atmosphere, and memory).
6 PM - 8 PM

🎭 Martin Decker: DAD: Join Martin on a heartfelt journey exploring father figures, with live movie reenactments and surprises on screen at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. An exploration of fatherhood through humour and dark moments.
7.30 PM | £10

🦜 Jon Gower - Birdland Talk: Join Jon Gower in conversation with broadcaster Gareth Jones at Mumbles Tabernacle for a celebration of his latest book, Birdland, exploring Britain's diverse bird life.
6.30 PM | £5

Saturday June 28th

🎨 Relay Abertawe: Experience a unique 'Musical Relay' at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, featuring 15 musicians in 3 spaces creating spontaneous musical combinations over 3 hours.
1 PM - 4 PM | Free

🎸 Summer Classical Guitar Concert: Enjoy an evening of classical guitar music hosted by Swansea Classical Guitar Circle at Sketty Park Community Centre.
7 PM | £10.00

🎪 Llanmorlais Carnival: Embrace the carnival spirit at Llanmorlais Community Hall. Enjoy music, community fun, and a special choir performance at 2 PM!
1.30 PM

🚶‍♂️ Port Eynon and South Gower History Walk: Explore Paviland Cave, Culver Hole, Iron Age Hill Forts, and a 1916 lifeboat tragedy memorial on a scenic, 6-8 mile guided walk with Graham Loveluck-Edwards.
9.45 AM | £10

🎩 Roaring Twenties Burlesque Show and Speakeasy: Embrace the glamour and intrigue of the 1920s with a Prohibition Party, burlesque performances, live music, and a DJ at the Railmens Club & Institute on Wind Street.
8 PM - 11.30 PM | £16

👛 Uplands Market: Pop down to Gwydr Square for the monthly Uplands Market, where local traders bring you the best in local produce, food and drink, clothes, jewellery, art, and tons more.
9 AM - 1 PM

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

🤼‍♀️ Polaris Squads: Witness Team Europe take on Team North America at Polaris 32 Women’s Squads in gripping grappling action at Swansea Building Society Arena.
3 PM | £23.65 - £55

🦗 Secrets of the Sand: Join entomologist Liam Olds on a guided exploration of sand dune invertebrates at Port Eynon. Learn about unique species, their importance, and conservation efforts.
10 AM - 12 PM and 1 PM - 3 PM | Free, booking required

Morriston Orpheus 90th Anniversary Concert: Celebrate 90 years of one of South Wales' finest musical talents at the Brangwyn Hall, featuring special guest Callum Scott Howells.
4 PM | £18.00 - £25.00

🕺 Boogie Days: Dance through the decades with music from the 70's, 80's, and 90's at Cu Mumbles, and be home in time for supper. Wristbands allow all-day access.
3 PM | £0 - £20

🩰 Giselle: Award-winning Ballet Cymru presents a ghostly ballet of love, betrayal, and forgiveness at the Taliesin Arts Centre, featuring a classic score and innovative choreography.
7 PM | £10 - £21

🎵 Swansea Bay Ladies Choir Annual Concert 2025: Enjoy a night of music with Swansea Bay Ladies Choir, Morriston RFC Male Choir, and guest instrumentalists Sage Taylor & Lowri Keirl at St. James Church.
7 PM | £10

👶 Little Pickles Market: Browse a large selection of maternity, baby, and kids' items like clothing, toys, and equipment at Morriston Leisure Centre. Cash-only.
2.30 PM - 4 PM | £1.50 for adults, kids free.

Sunday June 29th

🚴‍♂️ Gower Bike Ride for Kids Cancer Charity: Choose from 3 routes (12, 35, 63 miles) starting at The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen. Stunning views, feed stations, and a finisher's medal. Registration required.
From 8 AM | £18.50 - £28.50

🛶 Summer Fun on the Swansea Canal: Enjoy crafts and a day on the water at Coed Gwilym Park. Boat hire is available at a discount - just £6 for any canoe or kayak.
10 AM - 3 PM

🌟 Broadway Lights and Summer Nights: Brave Arts Theatre Company presents a night of Broadway show tunes and fresh hits by local talent at Founders & Co.
6.30 - 9.30 PM | £9.38

🚶‍♂️ Reynoldston - Arthurs Stone History Walk: Explore the spiritual side of the Gower Peninsula with ancient burial sites, standing stones, and a connection to King Arthur. Starting and ending at The King Arthur Hotel.
10 AM - 2 PM | £10

🎤 Stand Up for Trans Rights Comedy: The Welsh comedy community comes together at Elysium for a night supporting trans rights. Proceeds benefit The Good Law Project’s Trans Rights Fighting Fund.
6 PM

🍪 Gluten Free & Craft Fayre: Enjoy a summer day filled with gluten-free baked goods, vegan treats, refreshments, and crafts at Three Crosses Community Centre.
11 AM - 3 PM | Free

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

Monday June 23rd
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
The Bunkhouse | Alabama Crow | 6 PM

Tuesday June 24th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

Wednesday June 25th
Cu Mumbles | Cameron Saint Big Band | 8 PM

Thursday June 26th
Gin & Juice | Live Lounge Thursdays | 7.30 PM
Altitude28 | Jazz Thursday | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | Kaferiun | 7 PM

Friday June 27th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | UK Pink Floyd Experience | 7 PM
The Strand Bar | Sticker Book | 7 PM
Pontardawe Arts Centre | Mania: The ABBA Tribute | 7.30 PM
Sin City | Unto Others | 7 PM
Hippos | Calvaria | 7.30 PM
Victoria Inn | The Worried Men of Gower | 6 PM

Saturday June 28th
Elysium | Made of + Sold for Parts + Flat Cat | 7 PM
Tangled Parrot | Tom Emlyn | 7.30 PM
The Bunkhouse | Akimbo | 7 PM
The Hanbury | Super Blue Moon | 8.30 PM
The Swigg | Andy Jackson: Smooth Ibiza | 5 PM

Sunday June 29th
Waterloo Stores | Live Music Sundays | 8 PM
The Albert Hall | Taylor Swift Tribute | 7 PM
The Swigg | Sunday Sessions | 5 PM

QUESTION TIME

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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