TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop - the local newsletter that's like the moment someone suggests putting the heating on and you realsze it's actually acceptable now 😄

From Richard Burton tributes to dinosaur encounters and rum tasting, there’s something for everyone in Swansea this week. Not forgetting Remembrance Day commemorations on Tuesday, and over 30s skateboarding on Wednesday (knees permitting).

And if you're feeling festive early, John Barrowman's bringing his Camp As Christmas show to town, and LUSH is hosting a Snow Fairy slumber party.

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

Andrew

Before organised displays and strict health and safety, Bonfire night in Swansea was more of a free-for-all, with makeshift bonfires on street corners and fireworks lighting up the whole town.

This week, we're looking back at bonfire night from Swansea's past - everything from the first post-war celebrations to a yearly tradition of burning barrels and fisticuffs in the street.

Read Swansea Bonfire Night Memories

🚍 First Cymru bus drivers are extending their strike action through to January 1st, 2026 over a pay dispute, causing major disruption across south and west Wales.

🎅 The Swansea Christmas Parade will follow a new route this year, starting at the Guildhall and making its way into the city centre.

🚕 All licensed taxis in Swansea will soon have to accept both card and cash payments, following new rules announced by Swansea Council.

🛹 A new street plaza-style skate park is coming to Victoria Park in Swansea, with construction work starting next month.

😢 Swansea City suffered a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Ipswich Town, piling pressure on head coach, Alan Sheehan.

🥃 Doorly's Rum Tasting: Join Cheers Wine Merchants at Bar Saint James for an evening exploring a variety of Doorly's Rum.
7.30 PM - 9.30 PM | £5

🍽️ TAPAS + Morgan & Melville @ Langland's: Join for an evening of tapas and music by Morgan & Melville at Langland's Brasserie.
7 PM

🍷 Steak and Wine Night: Enjoy two steaks and a bottle of wine at The Southgate on Friday November 14th for £30.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

🍰 New Cake Shed Opens: Cakes by Jade has opened a Cake Shed at 44 Brynhyfryd Road, Gorseinon, selling cookies, cakes, and other treats.

☕ 11:11 Coffee Shop on Wind Street has launched a new smoothie bowl range, including Tropical Paradise, Very Berry Good, and Green Goddess.

This week on social, we shared some history about an unassuming Swansea building with a harrowing past.

Check out the reel below and give us a follow! We’re over 17,500 followers on Instagram and over 22,000 followers on Facebook!

This three-bedroom semi-detached house in Sketty features an open plan kitchen/lounge/diner, and views of Mumbles Head and Swansea Bay . Offers over £300,000 via Dawsons.

🕹️ A new retro gaming lounge is opening on Princess Way in the city centre next month.

😀 A dedicated comedy club venue is opening early next year on the Strand in Swansea city centre.

🍛 Rasoi Waterfront is celebrating its 10th anniversary by offering 10 free dishes over 10 days.

🎨 Craftsea paint-your-own-pottery in Mumbles is set to move into bigger premises, backed by a £50,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

🥗 The Local Food Day at the Green Economy Conference next week features talks, tastings, and demonstrations catered to local food businesses. Grab your free tickets for the main conference and  register for the Local Food Day (also free) .

🎭 Richard Burton Centenary: Commemorate the Welsh actor's birth with an exhibition, recently opened at the National Waterfront Museum, showcasing his life through objects and documents. Until Feb 5th, 2026.
Open daily | Free

🏃‍♂️ Sport and Health Swansea for 50+: Enjoy a range of free sport and health programs by Swansea Council including climbing and Nordic walking.
Various dates/times throughout the week.

👴 Ageing Well Activities for 50+: Enjoy activities in Swansea, including movie and soup specials, coffee mornings, bowling, and social walks.
Various times | Free

🌹 Swansea Remembers: Commemorate Armistice Day at St Davids Place in the city centre, with a service starting at 10:50 AM and a moment of silence at 11 AM, led by Mal Pope.
10.50 AM | Free

🎭 Amazing Stories from Wales: Experience the Black-light Theatre of Wales in a unique wordless spectacle with new Welsh classical music at the Taliesin, featuring circus, puppetry, and illusions under UV light.
7.30 PM | £12, £8 for under 26's and students

🦢 Wildlife E.R.: Learn about Gower Bird Hospital's vital work treating 1,600 wildlife patients yearly with Dr. Dan Forman sharing rescue stories and advice, at St Hilary’s Church, Killay
7.30 PM | Free

📷 Introduction to Photography (for women) with Bea: Join this free five-week workshop covering camera setup, lighting, and composition at Swansea Volcano Theatre. All skill levels are welcome.
12 PM | £0.00

🎹 Lunchtime Organ Recital: Enjoy a free lunchtime organ recital by Efisio Aresu at Brangwyn Hall.
12.45 PM | Free

🎤 The ELO Experience: Celebrate the iconic music of Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra on their 20th Anniversary Tour at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £32.00

🔮 Magic Isn't Real!: Jon Jones presents his debut show, sharing his favourite routines after 10 years of street performing - at Sessions by Mumbles Brewery.
7.30 PM - 9 PM | £12.50

🎭 Richard Burton Annual Lecture 2025: Join Charlotte Frances Burton, granddaughter of Richard Burton, in a unique reflection on his legacy in the 21st century, joined by her mother, actor Kate Burton - at the Taliesin. Very limited tickets available.
6 PM | Free

📚 Bob Dylan Book Talk: Join Chris Gregory at The Dylan Thomas Centre for a presentation of his new book "Minstrel Boy: The Metamorphoses of Bob Dylan," celebrating Dylan's work with dramatic readings.
2.30 PM - 3.30 PM | Free

🎤 Rat Pack - A Swingin' Christmas: Enjoy a festive tribute to the Rat Pack with classic songs at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £28 - £38

🕺 Tea Dance: Join professional dancers Phillip & Gaynor Evans for an afternoon of music, dance, and cake at the Brangwyn Hall.
2 PM | £10.00

🛹 Men Over 30 Coached Skateboarding Session: Exist Skatepark hosts a fully coached skateboarding session for men over 30.
6 PM - 8 PM | £20.21

🐸 Theatr Sherman: Biwti a Brogs: A delightful performance of "The Frog Prince/Biwti a Brogs" by Gwawr Loader, combining songs and laughter in a reimagined Brothers Grimm tale, in Welsh for ages 3-6, at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais.
11 AM & 1.30 PM | £9.50

🧚 Snow Fairy Slumber Party: Join the Snow Fairy-themed slumber party at LUSH Swansea, featuring pampering, glitter makeovers, DIY bubble wands, and more.
6.30 PM | £15

🎭 Casablanca – A Live Radio Play: Experience the classic tale of love set in war-torn North Africa in a live radio play at Pontardawe Arts Centre, with music, pre-show experience, and on-stage sound effects.
7.30 PM (BSL) | £12.10 - £14.30

🍺 Problematic Pub Comedy Pop-Up Night: Join Colin Manford, Alistair Barrie, and Kris Davies for a night of comedy hosted by the Problematic Pub Comedy Club at Ynystawe Cricket Club.
7.30 PM | £15

🎤 Queen of the Night - A Tribute to Whitney Houston: Experience a celebration honoring Whitney Houston's iconic music at Swansea Arena.
2.30 PM & 7.30 PM | From £23.65

🎤 Brian Bilston and The Catenary Wires: Brian Bilston and the Catenary Wires present "Sounds Made By Humans," a collection of songs where poetry and music intertwine, at Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing.
8 PM | £26.50

🎨 Handmade Christmas Workshops: Create Christmas stockings, cards, stained glass art, and decorations at Swansea Community Workshops. Various crafting sessions available.
Various times on Saturday & Sunday | From £4.50

56th West Wales Weekend Chess Congress: Engage with over-the-board competitive chess, suitable for both experienced players and those new to in-person chess.
Nov 14 - Nov 16, 2025 | £25 - £30

🏔️ Banff Mountain Festival World Tour 2025: Experience thrilling adventures on the big screen at the Taliesin, with short films showcasing extreme journeys, stunning cinematography - plus prize giveaways.
7.30 PM | £16.50 - £18.50

🦖 Dinomania at Plantasia: Travel back to the prehistoric era as Plantasia Tropical Zoo hosts Dinomania! Featuring baby and large dinosaur encounters, a Dino trail, and more.
Various times between 10 AM and 5 PM | £12.95 - £39.50

🚌 Swansea Bus Museum & Transport Heritage Centre Special: Celebrate 70 years of the 447 double decker bus, with a commemorative run at 1 PM, classic vehicles, model railways, and more.
11 AM - 3 PM | £8 Adults, £4 Children

🛍️ Penllergaer Pop Up Market: Indoor and outdoor food & crafts market at Llewelyn Hall, Swansea Road.
11 AM - 3 PM

🎶 Sonic Arts Forum Swansea: A full day of music, technology, and creativity at Swansea College Of Art, featuring live demos and performances by various artists. Open to all creative enthusiasts.
9 AM - 5 PM | Free

🎶 Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and Music by WA Mozart and Mervyn Burtch: Experience a musical evening with The Choir of Swansea Minster, The Velca Choir, and Friends performing beautiful compositions.
5 PM | £11.55 (under 18s free)

🎄 John Barrowman - Camp As Christmas: John Barrowman's festive show at Swansea Grand Theatre featuring Christmas classics, personal stories, and meet and greet.
5.30 PM | £31.00 - £41.00

🎤 Kerry Ellis - Queen of the West End: West End star Kerry Ellis presents a career retrospective with hits from musicals like Wicked and Les Miserables.
7.30 PM | From £32

🎻 Synergedd: Alaw - VRï - Hannah James: Unique collaboration of Welsh and English musicians, ALAW, VRï, and Hannah James, showcasing powerful songwriting, classical strings, and innovative accordion tunes - at the The Welfare, Ystradgynlais.
8 PM | From £12

🎪 Craft & Flea Fair: A unique craft market at the Brangwyn Hall featuring everything from art work to ceramics, food, and more.
10 AM | £3 on the door

Monday November 10th
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Noah’s Yard | Jazz Club | 8.30 PM

Tuesday November 11th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

Wednesday November 12th
The Swigg | Swansea Jazz Club - Jazz Jam with Dave Cottle Trio | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | Silican, Wistful | 6 PM

Thursday November 13th
Hangar 18 | Esprit D’Air | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Young Knives | 6 PM

Friday November 14th
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre | The Manfreds - Maximum Rhythm ‘N Blues | 7 PM
Sin City | Still Remains | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Midnight Tornado | 6 PM

Saturday November 15h
Hangar 18 | Reckoning EP Launch Show | 7 PM

Sunday November 16th
Sin City | Ash | 7 PM

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.

✅ Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up

📧 Want to advertise your business to our audience of over 7,000 newsletter subscribers and 40,000+ on social media? Reply to this e-mail and we’ll be in touch!

👉 Sometimes things change, so please check the details for events and activities directly with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

The Swansea Scoop is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.